LBM123_May.24

Coastal Gems

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7 STICKLEY DRIVE | LAGUNA BEACH

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One of merely fourteen private residences within the Montage Laguna Beach, this Villa has been meticulously updated, with the interiors masterfully blending elegance and California charm. WEB# LG23228208

856 DIAMOND STREET | LAGUNA BEACH

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Contents features

OUTDOOR LIVING

54

CARTING AROUND TOWN

Some of the coolest wheels in Laguna Beach are golf carts and Mokes. By JOE YOGERST

60 ALFRESCO FEASTS

Savor spring flavors at these open-air eateries in Laguna Beach. By ASHLEY PROBST AND LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE

68 SPREAD YOUR WINGS

Local outdoor enthusiasts reveal why pollinators are so important and how you can create your own garden to help them thrive.

By ASHLEY RYAN

TRAVEL: CAMPING IN COMFORT

SUPER SANDWICHES

From cold to hot, classics or unique stacks, these portable meals are perfect for a quick bite and an easy answer when deciding what to eat for lunch, dinner or a snack.

By SHARON STELLO

RAMPING UP RECREATION

Laguna’s new community center expands sports, arts and other activities offered in town.

By TANYA A. YACINA

Relax, reconnect and follow your sense of adventure while glamping in Montana.

SHARON STELLO

Explore the latest news about dining out in Laguna Beach.

Around Town

A look at the latest happenings around Laguna

Oh, What a Night!; Legacy Ball for Laguna Beach Seniors; SchoolPower’s Above & Beyond Gala; First Responders Golf Tournament and Dinner

Fabric of the Community: Thriving Together

The Laguna Beach Community & Susi Q Senior Center enhances well-being and connection here in town. 28

Home: Behind the Bar

Delve into the world of mixology by creating your own space in which to craft cocktails.

W&D: The Perfect Pair

Discover some of the finest taco and margarita combinations around town.

A&G: Awe-Inspiring Alloys

Metalworkers Julie Setterholm and Nevada

Silva showcase large-scale sculptures inspired by nature.

Q&A: Shining a Light

Media nonprofit OC World, a PBS SoCal affiliate co-founded by Lagunan Scott Hays, delves into important issues in Orange County. 82

Last Impressions: 10 Minutes With … Ivan Spiers

The local restaurant owner talks about the path that brought him to Laguna and his passion for good food, music and travel.

BY Jeffrey Hatcher DIRECTED BY David Ellenstein

Prepare yourself for a fast-paced, thrilling, suspenseful story that will keep you guessing until the final moments. In this worthwhile addition to the Sherlock Holmes cannon, there are more twists and turns than a rollercoaster! The legendary Sherlock Holmes is dead. Or so it is assumed. When a telegram arrives informing his loyal companion Dr. Watson that there are three men who each claim to be Holmes, it’s left up to the famous sidekick to take on the case and try to discover if one of the mad men is the real Sherlock Holmes.

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER

Steve Zepezauer GROUP EDITOR

Sharon Stello

sharon@firebrandmediainc.com

MANAGING EDITORS

Justine Amodeo, Ashley Ryan

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Stefanee Freedman, Ashley Probst, Tanya A. Yacina, Joe Yogerst

DESIGN CREATIVE DESIGN DIRECTOR

Tracy Powell

DIGITAL MEDIA CONTENT WRANGLER

Kim Zepezauer

Magazine

SALES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Mara Hertel

mara@firebrandmediainc.com

Carol Josepher

carol@firebrandmediainc.com

Dawn Lindeman

dawn@firebrandmediainc.com

Chris Mattingley

chrism@firebrandmediainc.com

PRODUCTION PRODUCTION MANAGER

Tina Leydecker

CORPORATE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & FOUNDER

Steve Zepezauer

PRESIDENT OF SALES & MARKETING

Scott Sanchez

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Tiffany Thompson

CREATIVE & MARKETING DIRECTOR

Tracy Powell

PUBLISHED BY

TO OUR READERS: Laguna Beach Magazine invites you to share your reactions to our latest stories. Send your correspondence to Editor, Laguna Beach Magazine, 900 Glenneyre St., Ste. B, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, or to edit@lagunabeachmagazine.com. The magazine accepts freelance contributions; however, unsolicited materials cannot be returned, and Laguna Beach Magazine accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to unsolicited materials.

ADVERTISERS: For inquiries, please contact Scott Sanchez at scott@firebrandmediainc.com. Laguna Beach Magazine, 900 Glenneyre St., Ste. B, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 | 949-715-4100 | lagunabeachmagazine.com

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A Perfect Fit

Angelus Block Co. Inc.

Berkshire Hathaway - Brandy Faber

Berkshire Hathaway - Shauna & Leita Covington

Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach

Coldwell Banker - Ballesteros Group

Compass - Carter Kaufman

Compass - Jim Ardery

Compass - Mike Johnson Group

Compass - Todd Davis

Crown Reconstruction Services Inc.

Douglas Elliman - John Stanaland

ERA Ranch & Sea Realty - Daniel Haney

GG’s Bistro

gorjana huit

Laguna Coffee Co.

Laguna Playhouse

Livel Real Estate

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa

Perspire Sauna Studio Dana Point

Sharon Imbriani Design

Surterre Properties - The Horton Team

Team Laguna - Danielle Purcell

Terranea Resort

The Finishing Touch Floors Inc.

The Ranch at Laguna Beach

©2024 BY FIREBRAND MEDIA LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written consent from Laguna Beach Magazine. Views expressed herein are those of the authors and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect those of the ownership or management of the magazine. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Laguna Beach Magazine is published eight times a year. One year’s subscription in the U.S. is $28.95; $57.95 per year outside the U.S. To subscribe, please call 949-715-4100 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST).

The Outdoor Way of Life

In a beach town like Laguna Beach, locals and visitors alike want to spend as much time outside as possible, soaking up the sunshine. Whether strolling along the beach, hiking, surfing, relaxing in your garden or indulging in some alfresco dining, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the pleasant weather, especially this time of year.

For this issue of Laguna Beach Magazine, we showcase several aspects of outdoor living. First, we feature the many types of coastal cool golf carts and Mokes in which locals can be seen zipping around the neighborhoods (page 54). Next, we highlight the variety of restaurant patios and rooftops available for open-air dining, some with live music to accompany fresh, flavorful dishes (page 60). And lastly, we talk with local experts for tips on creating your own pollinator-friendly patio or backyard to both look great and help support bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and more (page 68).

Also in this edition, we take a look at the athletics, art classes and more that are being offered at the new Laguna Beach Community & Recreation Center at the south end of town (page 40). And for those thinking about taking a picnic to the beach or park, we’ve rounded up some of the tastiest picnic fare options: Sandwiches from BLTs to Italian subs, tuna melts and beyond. Turn to page 36, to see how these handheld meals stack up. Another favorite SoCal meal, we showcase some perfect pairings of tacos and margaritas in town (page 30).

We invite you to flip through the pages for all this and more—just a glimpse into the trends and people that help this community thrive— and enjoy the fleeting weeks of spring before we dive into summer.

Sharon Stello Group Editor sharon@firebrandmediainc.com

Outdoor dining abounds in this coastal town, like this patio at Hotel Laguna. For more, turn to page 60.

calendarof events

“GHOST STORIES & FAIRY TALES” ONGOING; MUSEUM OF MAKE BELIEVE

“CLIMATE: AIR, EARTH AND WATER” THROUGH MAY 25; LAGUNA BEACH CULTURAL ARTS CENTER

Featuring the works of three renowned artists, including Laguna Beach aerial photographer Tom Lamb, this exhibit explores our natural world against the backdrop of climate change. Among the 30 works in this exhibit, Roberto Salas’ “Iceberg” diptych paintings show how shifts in daylight and weather might change what we see. Meanwhile, some of Lamb’s photos have been turned into Tibetan tapestries, on display next to his images. And Jacques Garnier’s photos depict the adaptability of trees as well as a surrealistic series called

“Apocalypsis,” showing how it will look as glaciers melt and beaches are lost to the rising ocean. (949652-2787; lbculturalartscenter.org)

“REFLECTIONS OF RESILIENCE” THROUGH AUG. 25; LAGUNA ART MUSEUM

This exhibit, which will run through most of the summer, features artwork by Laguna College of Art & Design’s 2024 Master of Fine Art graduates in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. These paintings and drawings reflect on what is meaningful in life and how to navigate uncertainty in the world, focusing on a shared sense of resiliency. (949-494-8971; lagunaartmuseum.org)

Following the grand opening of this imaginative playground in late April, visit to check out the museum’s inaugural exhibition, which whisks guests on an adventure through a magical storybook forest filled with sculptures, paintings, puppetry, miniature sets, immersive sound and music. Visitors can also experience Starlight Park, a vintage circus tent with a nod to the rise of radio broadcasting. (949-228-9297; museumofmakebelieve.org)

GATE & GARDEN TOUR

MAY 4; NORTH LAGUNA

Meet at the downtown Laguna Beach County Water District building to kick off this annual fundraiser for the Laguna Beach Garden Club. In addition to a tour through north Laguna’s finest gardens, the event features a raffle with prizes from local businesses, plein air painting demonstrations, a hat contest, Mexican food complete with

artisanal margaritas and more. (lagunabeachgardenclub.org)

THREE CLUBS BAREFOOT

CANYON CLASSIC & BBQ

MAY 6; THE RANCH AT LAGUNA BEACH

Kick off your shoes for a day of barefoot fun on the golf course. Groups of four or five can play nine holes before enjoying a barbecue dinner with live music and an auction, all in support of SchoolPower’s mission to raise

“Skyward” by Eric Theodore, part of the “Reflections of Resilience” exhibition at Laguna Art Museum

Above: Three Clubs Barefoot Canyon Classic; below: Gate & Garden Tour

money for academics, athletics and more on local campuses. The event is open to those age 21 and older. (949-494-6811; lbschoolpower.org)

MOTHER’S DAY

SELF-CARE RETREAT

MAY 11; LAGUNA BEACH

YOGA & FAIR TRADE

Every mother deserves a little alone time in honor of the work they put in daily, and this mini retreat is the perfect way to pamper yourself. The three-hour event includes a women’s circle, yoga, meditation, reiki, a crystal blessing, south bath, nature project, cacao ceremony and more, with a focus on community, connection and creativity. (949-312-1357; lagunabeachyoga.com)

ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

MAY 14; STRAWBERRY FARMS

GOLF CLUB, IRVINE

The Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Laguna Beach will link up to present this year’s golf tournament in nearby Irvine. Participants will enjoy 18 holes of golf with a shotgun start, $5,000 Mega Putt, $100,000 shootout, dinner and

awards ceremony, plus live music, a silent auction and swag bag. (949-4941018; lagunabeachchamber.org)

LAUREN ELDER MASTER CLASS

MAY 27; NO SQUARE THEATRE

The last session of No Square Theatre’s Wisdom of the Masters series takes place this spring with Lauren Elder, an actress, singer/songwriter and director best known for appearing in “Hair” on Broadway. The class has space for eight singers or actors as well as additional observers who will learn tips and tricks from Elder, who also works as a private acting, voice and career coach. (949715-0333; nosquare.org)

“HOLMES & WATSON”

MAY 29 - JUNE 16; LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE

This suspenseful thriller will have you on the edge of your seat as you join Dr. Watson in determining if one of three men claiming to be Sherlock Holmes is, in fact, the famous detective, who was presumed dead. Holmes’ sidekick and loyal companion must navigate the play’s twists and turns to discover the truth. (949-4972787; lagunaplayhouse.com)

EVENING WITH AN AUTHOR

JUNE 3; LAGUNA BEACH COMMUNITY & SUSI Q CENTER

In the second of three Evening With an Author sessions this year, the Susi Q Center presents writer Michelle Huneven. In conversation with arts columnist and podcaster Marrie Stone, Huneven will discuss her latest novel, “Search,” which was designated one of NPR’s Best Books of 2022. Attendees will enjoy a book signing with the author as well as light bites and libations. (949-464-6645; thesusiq.org)

THE DRAKE GIVES: CELEBRATING THE POWER OF MUSIC

JUNE 4; THE DRAKE

Music education takes center stage during this fundraiser for The Drake Gives. The nonprofit’s biggest event of the year will feature unique culinary offerings with a multicourse caviar dinner and wine pairings as well as live music from Parson James, an auction and words from those who have been impacted by the organization’s donations and programming. (949549-4255; thedrakegivesevents.org)

KELPFEST 2024

JUNE 8; MAIN BEACH

Celebrate Laguna’s unique coastline during KelpFest, an annual festival highlighting the importance of oceanic kelp forests that serve as food and shelter for underwater mammals, fish and invertebrates. The free event will offer informational booths, activities, games, artwork and music on the downtown cobblestones. (949-4999704; lagunaoceanfoundation.org) /

EDITOR’S NOTE: EVENTS MAY CHANGE. CHECK WITH ORGANIZERS FOR UPDATES.

TO SUBMIT YOUR EVENT: edit@lagunabeachmagazine.com; If you’re on Facebook, make sure to “like” Laguna Beach Magazine, and follow @LagunaBeachMagazine on Instagram.

FIRST THURSDAYS ART WALK: JUNE 6; VARIOUS LOCATIONS

First Thursdays Art Walk is a beloved tradition in town that encourages locals and visitors alike to view artwork and mingle at local galleries. (949-463-4800; firstthursdaysartwalk.org)

LAGUNA ART MUSEUM:

In addition to ongoing art exhibits, check out Laguna Art Museum’s special events, including a New Moms at the Museum event on May 16 where visitors can to learn about postnatal recovery and baby care plus a printmaking workshop for kids on May 25 where they will create abstract portraits. (949-4948971; lagunaartmuseum.org)

ONGOING

LAGUNA BEACH

FARMERS MARKET:

Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon; Forest Avenue and Laguna Canyon Road (ocerac.ocpublicworks.com)

LAGUNA LAUGHERS:

An informal group meeting Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 9 a.m.; Main Beach (lyinstitute.org)

NATURE HIKES: Various dates; Laguna Canyon Foundation (949-497-8324; lagunacanyon.org)

SAWDUST STUDIO ART CLASSES:

Although Sawdust Art Festival is closed for the season, creative types can find a number of art classes available year-round at the festival grounds. Sign up for workshops in acrylic painting, mosaics, pottery and more. (949-494-3030; sawdustartfestival.org)

WINE CRAFT:

Explore your artistic side while tasting wine; projects have ranged from painting on canvas to decorating wine glasses and seasonal items. (949-376-0007; winecraftoc.com)

Silent auction items at a past fundraiser for The Drake Gives

Around Town / Golden Gifts

In light of Mother’s Day, get the beloved mamas in your life something special while also giving back: Local jewelry brand gorjana— based in Laguna Beach—is currently partnering with the nonprofit Baby2Baby, which provides children living in poverty with clothing, diapers and other necessities. Gorjana will donate 10% of the sales made both in-store and online from its 14K Gold Mama necklace as well as its Diamond Pave Mama necklace to Baby2Baby. These timeless nameplate necklaces are a reminder of the special role mothers play and can add some shine or sparkle to any outfit. Originally launched as a small community program, Baby2Baby has grown since its inception, having distributed 375 million basic essentials and 170 million diapers to those in need. The partnership between gorjana and the nonprofit will continue through the end of 2024. (949-715-8166; gorjana.com) —Ashley Ryan

Gorjana jewelry brand is donating 10% of sales of the 14K Gold Mama and Diamond Pave Mama necklaces (right) to Baby2Baby.

MARINE MAMMAL MEMOS

Although the Pacific Marine Mammal Center is currently closed to the public while the campus undergoes a renovation and expansion, the nonprofit still needs funds to rescue and rehabilitate its pinniped visitors. As such, the organization dreamed up a new annual pass that will allow the PMMC to raise funds while still giving the public the chance to stay connected with the center and its happenings. Priced at $300 and valid for a full year, this “release pass” grants you access to all public sea lion releases as the rehabilitated animals return to the sea. These special, early morning events typically take place in spring and summer, and the pass allows you to bring one guest with you. In addition, the PMMC launched a new quarterly Kid’s Club subscription box, designed to keep children engaged during the center’s closure. The next box will release in July, with enrollment in June, and features a book, a story about a current PMMC patient, a mission-driven activity and access to the online portal, which features coloring pages, contests and other activities. The box is tailored to your child’s age group and allows them to learn about ocean stewardship from the comfort of their own homes. (949-494-3050; pacificmmc.org) —A.R.

Pacific Marine Mammal Center is now offering an annual pass to attend all sea lion releases, when the rehabilitated animals are returned to the ocean.

DREAM BIG

Artist Elizabeth Laul Healey, who once lived in town and even graduated from Laguna Beach High School, had a spectacular homecoming with the installation of her Dream Big sculpture in front of City Hall. “Laguna Beach has always been my favorite place on the planet,” she says. “… It has been a dream of mine for a long time to have my art publicly displayed in my hometown.” One of more than 250 “watch dog” sculptures—so-called both for their positioning, watching over the town, and for the clocks around their necks, typically set to 11:11— Dream Big was crafted using mirrors, mosaic tiles, Italian smalti tiles, stones and gemstones to create bold shine and color. The words “dream big” stretch across the dog’s chest while vibrant spots cover its body. “The target-like circles I put on the dog represent the circle of life,” Laul Healey explains. “I started making them in 2003 when my daughter was born and my mom was simultaneously dying of breast cancer. So the circles are a reminder to cherish our loved ones that are still here, not just the ones who … have passed on.” Stop by to see the Dream Big sculpture as it watches over Laguna through May 31. (Elizabeth Laul Healey: 310-488-1834; elizabethlaulhealey.com) (City of Laguna Beach: 949-497-3311; lagunabeachcity.net)

Dream Big, a sculpture by Elizabeth Laul Healey, installed through May in front of City Hall

HONORING HEROES

Bravery and teamwork were applauded when the Medal of Courage, a Lifesaving Award and other honors were bestowed on April 18 during the Laguna Beach Police Department’s Awards and Recognition Banquet, which highlighted outstanding contributions throughout 2023. In all, 19 awards were given in 10 categories. Among the honors, the Medal of Courage went to Detective Ryan Radel, Officer Matthew Meyer and Sgt. William Downing. And a Lifesaving Medal was presented to Park Ranger James Kirk-Johnson, Officer Zach Oblea and Officer Danny Lopez. Cpl. Antonio Manzano was named Officer of the Year while Community Services Officer Rosie Santana, accompanied by loyal K-9 Cooper, was honored as Professional Staff Member of the Year and Sgt. David Gensemer was lauded as Supervisor of the Year. Crime Fighter Awards went to Officer Thomas Heib and Detective Tanner Flagstad. Also during the event, fallen Officer Gordon G. French was posthumously awarded the Police Cross, a symbol of his ultimate sacrifice made in the line of duty. To ensure that French’s service continues to be remembered and honored by all, his daughter, Linda O’Keefe, was there to accept a plaque on behalf of the police department. French was shot in 1953 while booking a suspect on forgery charges at the Laguna Beach City Jail. The suspect, who had not yet been searched, drew a concealed weapon and disarmed the officers. While attempting to flee, the suspect fired a shot as French tried to stop him from escaping. French was hit in the stomach and died on the way to Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, the nearest hospital at that time. (lagunabeachcity.net) —Sharon Stello

Sacred Sessions

Seven monks from India returned to Laguna Beach on their Sacred Tibetan Arts Tour in April after a five-year hiatus. The Drepung Gomang monks, who are scholars from the oldest monastery in Tibet and direct disciples of the Dalai Lama, offered a glimpse into their culture while in town. They constructed a mandala made of fine multicolored sand on the grounds of the Sawdust Art Festival, performed blessings and sang their trichord chants to begin and end each day. They also presented “pujas,” which are stylized rituals that bring together music, prayer chanting and visualizations incorporating multitonal singing and Tibetan instruments. At the end of their 10-day visit, the monks held a mandala dissolution ceremony: After working all week to create the detailed design, they then swept the sand into a pile as a reminder of life’s impermanence. The public was invited to attend; guests were given small packets of the sand while the rest was cast into the ocean at Main Beach as the monks chanted, accompanied by drums and cymbals. (monksinlaguna.com) —S.S.

Community members watch as the monks create a mandala.

Left: Linda O’Keefe (center), daughter of the late Officer Gordon French, who was recognized posthumously, with her husband, Tom O’Keefe (left), and police Chief Jeff Calvert; right: honorees Sgt. David Gensemer, Cpl. Antonio Manzano, Community Services Officer Rosie Santana (wearing medals) and police K-9 Cooper, with City Council members and the police chief

A New Chapter

The Kingsley family from Kaira Rouda’s last novel, “Beneath the Surface,” is back in the local author’s latest book, “Under the Palms,” which is set to be released May 21. In this newest edition, ambition and secrets swirl during the powerful Kingsley family’s weekend retreat at a luxury resort in Laguna Beach. As the plot unfolds, the sons of Richard Kingsley, the patriarch and CEO of their family’s company, are still hoping they are selected to take the reins. There’s John, the oldest, who recently went through a dark tragedy, and Ted, the golden boy and estranged husband of Paige, who is the company’s current president. Enter Richard’s ex wife and wayward daughter, who ally with Paige and know a secret that could ruin the family legacy. Only time will tell if the family’s women keep the upper hand. In her stories, bestselling author Rouda tends to explore what’s really happening beneath the surface in people’s seemingly perfect lives. Some of her past books include “The Favorite Daughter,” “The Next Wife” and “Best Day Ever.” “Under the Palms” will be available for purchase at Laguna Beach Books. (Kaira Rouda: kairarouda.com) (Laguna Beach Books: 949-4944779; lagunabeachbooks.com) —S.S.

have something for everyone: gluten free, vegan, lamb, chicken, beef & fish.

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949-494-9306

540 S. Coast Hwy, Ste. 108, Laguna Beach Mon–Sat 11:30am-8pm • Sun 9am-7:30pm

Nursing Bras Available

Elegant Sleepwear

Bridal Foundation and Bridal Registry

Gift Cards Available

Sizes from AA to K

Best Lingerie

Local author Kaira Rouda and her new novel (below)

NOW OPEN

Laguna Riviera Hotel was recently reimagined, debuting as Laguna Surf Lodge by SCP Hotels in early March. The iconic property, which first opened in the 1940s and is situated directly on the beach, boasts Scandinavian-inspired decor alongside a pool, a sun/yoga deck and fire pits—plus Soulful Start sessions such as sound baths, meditation and stretching exercises. SCP also prides itself in being environmentally conscious with programs like Every Stay Does Good, which is helping to plant kelp locally to encourage a healthy marine ecosystem. (949-494-1196; scphotel.com/laguna)

Urban contemporary artwork is the main attraction at SoloShow, a new gallery and gathering space across from Main Beach that launched in mid-March. Owner Ireen Brock hopes to appeal to younger generations, curating pieces inspired by her time living in big metropolitan areas like New York City and Philadelphia. A group show is

currently on display though the gallery will also unveil solo exhibitions in the future, and Brock also plans to host multiweek classes on artistic techniques, workshops about art business consulting, educational programs for kids and more at SoloShow. (949-235-0241; soloshow.co)

After The Garage Collective’s original shop flooded in early 2023, owner Kristin Miracle-Lewis turned to the online realm to sell her curated collection of local and global home goods. A new partnership with interior designer Jaime Saunders led to the opening of Abode by Garage Collective on Thalia Street last September, but the store has moved again, now as part of an additional collaboration with Samantha Savage Breit of The Salt Horse. The latest rendition, housed in the former Blue Eyed Girl space at The Old Pottery Place, held its grand opening April 4, offering a collection of ceramics, textiles, accessories and gifts in addition to home styling services.

Sharing space with The Salt Horse, a specialty grocery store, visitors can also find farm-totable favorites; with this new location, Savage Breit is also delving into prepared foods. (Abode by Garage Collective: 949-715-0868; shopgaragecollectivelaguna.com) (The Salt Horse: 949-303-9850; thesalthorse.com)

A grand opening is scheduled May 4 for Terra Sage Mercantile, a new design center and artist collective dreamed up by local artist Carrie Rae Woodburn. The space will feature custom-made furniture—crafted by her husband, Andrew Soliz of Tatankamani Woodworks—in addition to vintage items and other home decor. Focusing specifically on Laguna Beach artisans, the space will also house Woodburn’s leather pieces in addition to jewelry, clothing, fine art, sculptures and potted plants. Art classes and other community events will soon be announced as well. (949-433-7802; www.terrasagemercantile.com) —A.R.

Clockwise from top left: the newly reimagined Laguna Surf Lodge; the SoloShow gallery interior; Terra Sage Mercantile, which is planning a grand opening celebration on May 4; Abode by Garage Collective, in collaboration with The Salt Horse, in its new location

Into the Future

Produced by Laguna Beach-based MacGillivray Freeman Films in connection with the American Society of Civil Engineers, 3D Imax film “Cities of the Future” is showing at the California Science Center in Los Angeles at least through May. Narrated by actor and producer John Krasinski—known for his roles in “The Office” and “A Quiet Place”—the film highlights the innovations helping to shape the urban landscapes of tomorrow. “Cities of the Future” takes viewers forward a half century to a time of aerial highways, air taxis and sustainable, wind-powered communities where everything is recycled and solar power is gathered in space to harness the sun’s rays even when it’s nighttime on Earth. Computer-generated imaging shows autonomous trains gliding through the city and electric flying vehicles waiting to depart from landing zones. Viewers also get a tour of Amsterdam’s bike-centric infrastructure and the pioneering cooling systems in Singapore while also learning about civil engineer Paul Lee’s goal to make LA fully energy independent by 2045. Perhaps best known for its Imax film “Everest,” MacGillivray Freeman Films has also made giant-format movies about the Great Barrier Reef, national parks and the Arctic. (MacGillivray Freeman Films: 949-494-1055; macgillivrayfreeman.com) (California Science Center: 323-724-3623; californiasciencecenter.org) —S.S. /

“Cities of the Future,” an Imax film by Laguna-based MacGillivray Freeman Films in connection with the American Society of Civil Engineers

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Community / Galas & Events

OH, WHAT A NIGHT!

For one night only, former stars from the New York, Chicago and Los Angeles companies of “Jersey Boys” came together to perform in Laguna Playhouse’s Moulton Theater during its Oh, What a Night! gala. In addition to renditions of hit songs like “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and “Walk Like a Man”—complete with dance moves from the 1960s— guests at the March 3 event enjoyed a montage of songs from the Laguna Playhouse Youth Conservatory’s forthcoming production of “The Addams Family,” which debuts in May. Beyond the theatrics, the 230 attendees were treated to a preshow reception with passed hors d’oeuvres and themed cocktails, a fund-a-need paddle raise, live auction and dessert as well as words from David Ellenstein, the organization’s artistic director, who talked about the nonprofit theater’s success while unveiling the shows slated for its 2024-2025 season. In total, the event raised $370,000, which will support youth theater programming, technology and equipment for both onstage and backstage locations, and actors or designers involved in the center’s live productions. (lagunaplayhouse.com) —Ashley Ryan

LEGACY BALL

Laguna Beach Seniors has left its mark on the older adult population in town since the 1970s, which is celebrated with the annual Legacy Ball that helps support the group’s programming offered through the Laguna Beach Community & Susi Q Senior Center. During the 15th iteration of the event on April 6—which featured a theme of A Night Under the Stars—around 200 people came together at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, raising $380,000 for the nonprofit. Guests enjoy cocktails, opportunity drawings and dancing upon arrival, followed by a seated dinner with a choice of filet mignon, pan-seared sea bass or vegetable Wellington; a fund-a-need paddle raise; and a live auction where guests bid on items including a dinner with local firefighters. Awards were also presented to locals Cindy Prewitt and Sam Goldstein as well as Laguna Beach Live! during the gala, and Wilson Automotive sponsored a table for seniors who wanted to attend but were unable to afford a ticket. In addition to the money raised during the Legacy Ball, the Susi Q recently received a gift of $1 million from the Dorene and Lee Butler Family Foundation. (thesusiq.org) —A.R.

1. Betsy Jenkins, Jennifer Yelland, Lucetta Kallis, Susan Wunderlich 2. Roderick and Kathy Reed, Christine Scheuneman, Annee Della Donna and Eric Alcouloumre 3. Matt and Julie Sandler 4. Yvette and Lanny Hartley 5. Kirsten Whalen, Harvey Triebwasser, Jane Hanauer, Lisa Triebwasser 6. Kathy and Roderick Reed, Eric Alcouloumre 7. Clint Bell, Jared Mathis, Lisa Hale, David Ellenstein

1. Kim Hannan, Brett Butler, Patti Butler, Lisa Butler

2. Laguna Beach firefighters

3. Barbara MacGillivray, Nadia Babayi, Joan Halvajian

ABOVE & BEYOND GALA

There’s no doubt that educational nonprofit SchoolPower goes above and beyond for local students, raising money with fun events like the Chef Challenge at Lumberyard, an annual dodgeball tournament and the Three Clubs Barefoot Canyon Classic golf contest. But the organization’s most recent fundraiser was a little more traditional: More than 320 attendees gathered March 23 at Montage Laguna Beach to celebrate during the Above & Beyond gala, bringing in over $400,000 throughout the night. Adorned in gilded attire, guests enjoyed a welcome reception featuring Champagne sips plus a silent auction and raffle. During dinner, Sarah Durand, SchoolPower’s executive director, honored local educators with special grants; attendees also heard from Laguna Beach Unified School District Superintendent Jason Viloria, SchoolPower President Iva Pawling and Laguna Beach High School sophomore Zealan Munsey. A live auction and paddle raise also helped the group exceed its fundraising goal. (lbschoolpower.org) A.R.

FIRST RESPONDERS GOLF TOURNAMENT AND DINNER

To show appreciation for local first responders, The Ranch at Laguna Beach hosted its third annual golf tournament and dinner for Laguna Beach police officers and firefighters and their families on April 1. “We were honored to host these local heroes who keep us safe and make Laguna the place that it is,” says The Ranch owner Mark Christy. The tournament took place on the resort’s picturesque, nine-hole golf course with views of Aliso and Wood Canyons. A two-person scramble format was used, but there was also a team score; if played barefoot, golfers received a mulligan. There was plenty of friendly rivalry during this casual game that pitted police against firefighters—with the Fire team emerging victorious. The record is now Fire: 2, Police: 1 in the annual tournament. After the game, attendees enjoyed a barbecue dinner reception in The Ranch’s ballroom. (theranchlb.com) Sharon Stello g

1. Katie MacGillivray, Greg MacGillivray, Dennis Berryman, Barbara MacGillivray, Carol Berryman, Erin Berryman 2. Kristin and Steve Samuelian, Carol and Dennis Berryman, Joe and Jane Hanauer

3. April Coffman, Jason and Holly Viloria, Jason Allemann, Allison and Michael Keller, Meghan Schooler 4. Katrina Puffer, Katie MacGillivray, Erin Berryman, Elizabeth Manji, Iva Pawling, Kara Perlis 5. Brent and Wendy Martini 6. Rana and Michael Mays 7. Michael and Lauren Contursi, Seanne and Steve Contursi

1. Group shot 2. Erin Padden, Steven McDowell, Jason Fatta, Kaley Gilstrap

3. James Lin, Logan Strook 4. Crissy and Pete Teichmann 5. Bryan Sarjeant, Aaron Payne

Fabric of the Community / Susi Q Senior Center Thriving Together

THE LAGUNA BEACH COMMUNITY & SUSI Q SENIOR CENTER ENHANCES WELL-BEING AND CONNECTION IN TOWN.

By TANYA A. YACINA

As we age, the diversity of our needs evolves, and maintaining overall well-being, dignity and independence as seniors can be challenging.

To address this, Laguna Beach Seniors was founded in 1975 to provide outreach and social programs to older adults.

Initially operating mainly as a volunteer organization out of the American Legion building—where the group offered minimal programming and served lunch—the nonprofit later determined that the growing population of seniors required an expanded facility. With a successfully funded capital campaign, the Laguna Beach Community & Susi Q Senior Center was born in 2009, though the two entities operate independently from one another.

“It is estimated that one-third of the Laguna Beach population is considered

a senior, translating to nearly 8,000 individuals,” says Nadia Babayi, executive director of Laguna Beach Seniors. “As such, the center has quickly become an essential aspect of senior life in town. … While there is a wide continuum of needs, most seniors are in need of some level of support and have found county services to be erratic and/or limited.”

Babayi, whose own passion for working with older adults began when she accompanied her mother to events at the Lakeview Senior Center in Irvine, says the Susi Q was named after well-known Laguna Beach resident Elizabeth Quilter, who wrote a column for a local newspaper under that pseudonym. The 8,000-square-foot facility, located on the same campus as the local community center, is leased from the city for $1 per year.

“Volunteers and staff make it possible for

this population to avoid the isolation that frequently plagues the elderly and keep them connected to their community. The center helps them find a peace of mind that is often elusive, whether through yoga classes, intervention by case managers or the opportunity to become involved in special interest groups that keep mind and body more agile,” Babayi explains. “Most importantly, each senior has the opportunity to obtain the support needed to live as full and independent a life as they choose to.”

Babayi says the Susi Q’s programming is designed for individuals age 50 and over— though the average age of the participants is 70—and two-thirds are female. All of the center’s support services, classes and special programs are open to older adults in Laguna Beach as well as those who live in surrounding cities in south Orange County.

Laguna Beach Seniors operates out of the Laguna Beach Community & Susi Q Senior Center, where classes and other programs are offered.

INSPIRING INDEPENDENCE

BOTH LAGUNA BEACH SENIORS AND THE SUSI Q SENIOR CENTER ASSIST OLDER ADULTS WITH DETERMINING SOLUTIONS AND BUILDING SKILLS FOR COPING WITH THE CHALLENGES THAT STEM FROM AGING.

SHOWING SUPPORT

There are a number of different gatherings available through the Susi Q Senior Center, all of them complimentary, from chronic illness support groups and Women Supporting Women to Death Cafe, a virtual monthly discussion about participants’ feelings on mortality. In addition, locals can take advantage of legal clinics, a grief and loss series, Medicare information sessions, one-on-one counseling for mental health, hearing screenings and more. There is also a care management department that helps individuals process their situation and presents them with resources.

“Participants seek information and linkage to services for care giving, affordable housing, unmet medical and health needs, financial assistance and home safety,” notes Nadia Babayi, executive director of Laguna Beach Seniors.

ALL ABOUT THE ART

Art and creativity is an essential part of the Susi Q’s programming—the center even has its own exhibit space. Named Gallery Q, the space provides opportunities for selfexpression and artistic creation, offering a chance for older adults to get involved. Now in its 15th year, Gallery Q typically puts on five shows a year from emerging and professional artists. “Seniors’ lives are impacted through direct involvement with the arts, resulting in enhancement in health, interpersonal skills and cognitive [or] psychological behaviors,” Babayi explains. “Engaging in creative activity or simply attending artistic events is stimulating while lowering stress and improving physical health. Arts engagement widens and strengthens social bonds, [too,] which also improve[s] health.”

TEMPTING TITLES

One of the Susi Q’s newest programs is the Evening With an Author series, which launched last spring. Held three times per year, the early evening sessions feature discussions with Southern California writers about their bestselling books. Open to attendees of all ages, this year’s series started in February with a talk from Héctor Tobar, author of “Our Migrant Souls,” which touches on what it means to be a modern Latino. On June 3, novelist Michelle Huneven will be in conversation about her latest story, “Search,” a fictional memoir of a food critic, and her other titles. The final event will be held Oct. 7 with Jonathan Lethem. “This program … helps expand the literary horizons for many people,” Babayi says. “… Research shows that reading helps to build our ability to focus and grasp complex ideas. It also strengthens our ability to remember details and think through complex problems, which benefits everyone— and especially older adults.” g

From left: Susi Q counseling staff, including (from left) Anne Schroeder, Vivian Clecak, Martha Hernandez and Kathleen Wenger; artists showing pieces from a Gallery Q show; novelist Janelle Brown (left) during a previous Evening With an Author event

Home / Cocktail Corners

Behind the Bar

DELVE INTO THE WORLD OF MIXOLOGY BY CREATING YOUR OWN SPACE IN WHICH TO CRAFT COCKTAILS.

By ASHLEY RYAN

Sipping a craft beverage at an upscale bar, you may find yourself daydreaming about having your own cocktail corner—a place to entertain, unwind at the end of the day or experiment with signature drinks that contain just the right ingredients.

“For those who love hosting … or have a passion for wine, whiskey, sake or just a great cocktail, the bar is the ultimate asset,” says Clark Collins of Collins Design & Development. “A well-crafted bar provides an opportunity to showcase your personal design style or drink passion and, at the same time, create a special gathering place for friends and family.”

When it comes to selecting the ideal spot, Collins recommends placing a home bar near the kitchen or close to a door that leads to the outside. Other prime spots could be in a game room or basement.

Natural materials are trending everywhere in the home, but especially in these types of spaces. Turn to stones like marble, quartzite or soapstone paired with walnut, oak or mahogany wood. Collins also advises using bold paint colors plus glass or mirrored elements that reflect light to generate warmth.

In fact, you may be surprised to learn that lighting plays a big role in designing a home bar. It can be used to create a desired atmosphere or to define the room’s style. “Start with what you see, from decorative pendant lights over counters to … small table lamps on the bar or tucked into shelving,” Collins says. “Both are a wonderful opportunity

to set the mood and create focal points within the space.” Another option is to use LED light strips, which add versatility by allowing you to control the color and where they are placed, such as tucked away in a recess.

As a space that lends itself to entertaining, seating is key. Opt for furniture that is comfortable and welcoming, Collins suggests, such as bar stools or club chairs. Appliances are also important additions. If you’re able, include a sink, a small beverage refrigerator, an ice maker and a kegerator.

After the basics are in place, remember to showcase everything in a way that is visually appealing, especially if you’ll be hosting

in this space. “Outstanding bars are about showing off the goods,” Collins notes. “… The key is to balance tradition and trend.”

When you begin stocking your bar, don’t skip over the tools. Collins says you should have a cutting board, knives, a cocktail shaker, shot glass, mixing glass, strainer, decanter, corkscrew, hand-held juicer and a good cocktail recipe book. You’ll also want a variety of glasses: versatile rocks glasses, coupes, copper mugs, martini glasses, Champagne flutes, wine goblets, pilsner glasses and more.

As for ingredients, focus on your favorite spirits, but make sure you have liquors that will be ideal

for entertaining as well. Grab a bottle each of whiskey, bourbon, gin, tequila or mezcal, vodka, rum and wine (both red and white, if desired). In addition, gather bitters, vermouth, orange liqueur, Campari, mixers like ginger ale or tonic water, simple syrup, salt, lemons and limes, oranges, maraschino cherries, olives and more. Make sure to have fun with the process. “One of the best advantages of having a home bar is that the design is completely up to you,” Collins adds. “… Take cues from your drinking and entertainment habits, your home’s architecture and your design style. Whatever you do, make it awesome and memorable.”

Whether your home bar is a small space or a whole room, design it for relaxation, entertaining or both.

LIBATION CREATION

SIP IN STYLE FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME WITH THESE BAR-CENTRIC PRODUCTS.

1) Incorporate “REGARDING COCKTAILS” —a book by legendary bartender Sasha Petraske—into your collection to assist with cocktail creation; the text features 85 different drink recipes, both classic and modern drinks, with ingredients, measurements and preparations, alongside advice on setting up your home bar, from $30, at Nuance. (949494-8833; nuance-home.com)

2) Elevate your cocktails with The Bitter Housewife’s BITTERS SAMPLER SET #2, which features bright flavors like grapefruit, cardamom and lime-coriander that are designed to pair with lighter spirits such as tequila, gin, vodka and rum, $19, at Spigot Liquor. (949-494-0040; spigotliquor.com)

3) Rather than a bar cart, opt for BDI’s modern TANAMI 7120 BAR cabinet, which is the perfect piece for saving space while also keeping all of your liquor and tools organized thanks to side shelving, stemware racks, bottle slots and a hidden drawer, from $3,599, with advance order at Modern Studio. (949376-0103; modernfurnishings.com)

4) The elegant KIRA TALL TUMBLER from Fleck is the perfect vessel for serving libations, adding a sense of style with handblown glass, a raised linear pattern and a delicate wave-inspired rim, $20, at Abode by Garage Collective. (949-7150868; shopgaragecollectivelaguna.com)

5) This set of eight SIGNATURE BAR TOOLS WITH STAND & COCKTAIL SHAKER ensures you have everything you need to prepare high-quality drinks, including a cobbler (three-part) shaker, strainer, double-sided shot glass, bar spoon, muddler, bottle opener and ice tongs—plus a stand to hold it all, $229.95, at Williams Sonoma, Newport Coast. (949-464-2168; williams-sonoma.com) g

Wine & Dine / Tacos and Margaritas

The Perfect Pair

DISCOVER SOME OF THE FINEST TACO AND MARGARITA COMBINATIONS AROUND TOWN.

By ASHLEY RYAN

Tacos abound in Laguna Beach, from festive Mexican classics and fresh seafood delights to distinctly Asian offerings. And few things complement these savory favorites better than a sweet and refreshing margarita.

“The appeal of taco and margarita pairings lies in the harmonious marriage of flavors and the enjoyable contrast they provide,” says Gretchen McConnell, founder and chef at Starfish Laguna. “… [Plus, they] remind you of being on vacation.”

Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or you’re simply looking to satisfy a craving, these local eateries have got you covered, offering delectable pairings to enjoy day or night.

HARVEST

With its fresh air, canyon views and peaceful atmosphere, dining on the patio at Harvest almost feels as if you’ve been transported out of Laguna. For a meal that is just as refreshing as the breeze, order the Baja-inspired fish tacos. Local catch is lightly battered then layered atop napa cabbage slaw and pico de gallo tossed in a lime crema before it’s all finished with salsa macha. Add a kick to the meal with the Chile del Diablo margarita, crafted with chile de arbol-infused Xicaru mezcal, Cointreau and a house-made hibiscus syrup that provides a vibrant red hue and touch

of floral sweetness. Garnished with two small peppers and a Tajín rim, the two pair flawlessly. “The crunchy beer batter of the fish and the freshness of the lime crema help balance the Chile del Diablo while the toasted peanuts and smokiness of the salsa macha help complement the drink’s flavor profile,” notes Kyle St. John, executive chef at The Ranch at Laguna Beach, which is home to Harvest. (949-715-1376; theranchlb.com)

SOUTH OF NICK’S

Whether ordered a la carte or as part of a combo plate with Spanish rice, beans or street corn, the soft tacos at South of

ASHLEY RYAN

Left: fish tacos and the Chile del Diablo margarita at Harvest; right: citrus chicken soft tacos and the skinny margarita at South of Nick’s

Nick’s are full of vibrant flavor thanks to the fresh ingredients used in the scratch kitchen. While the eatery serves up carnitas, ranchera beef or birria varieties, the citrus chicken is ideal for those looking for a little healthier option. Cheese is melted into a blue corn tortilla, then topped with charred chunks of chicken, onions, cilantro, pico de gallo and sour cream. Cut down on calories by sipping a skinny margarita as you dine. The refreshing drink, which complements the taco masterfully with a bold citrus taste, mixes Milagro’s blanco tequila, fresh lime and agave nectar. Imbibe with one or many, as you can also opt for a pitcher. (949-7153717; nicksrestaurants.com)

STARFISH LAGUNA

You may not expect to find tacos at an Asian fusion restaurant, but the menu at Starfish Laguna features unique Korean tacos. Piled high with USDA Prime flat iron steak that has been marinated in soy and a Chinese rice wine called michiu, this dish is distinctly eastern. In addition to the meat, the warm corn tortillas contain zesty vegetables—pickled in-house—and a drizzle of gochujang aioli that provides a hint of

spiciness. Enhance your meal by pairing the tacos with the Lagniappe margarita. “The … margarita’s mint and citrus notes complement the flavors of our Korean tacos, particularly enhancing … [their] traditional Asian ingredients,” McConnell notes. With a name that means “a small gift,” this drink is definitely a prize, with silver tequila, muddled mandarin orange, fresh lime, mint and a splash of soda to create some texture. (949-715-9200; starfishcalifornia.com)

FINNEY’S CRAFTHOUSE

For a meal full of contrasting flavors, try the blackened shrimp tacos with the colorful margarita flight at Finney’s Crafthouse. “Blackened shrimp tacos and our fantastic margaritas perfectly balance each other on the palate—spicy and sweet, with a hint of tequila,” says Eric BosRau, Finney’s executive chef. Two large tacos are stuffed with juicy pieces of shrimp, covered in Asian coleslaw and pineapple salsa, and finished off with a pungent wasabi aioli. Meanwhile, the margarita flight features miniature glasses that contain four flavors: blood orange, guava, watermelon and hibiscus. These delectable libations enhance the pineapple on the tacos,

bringing the meal full circle with the vibrant taste of each of these fruity sips. (949-4848140; finneyscrafthouse.com)

LAS BRISAS

Indulge in the pork belly tacos at Las Brisas while soaking up the sun and taking in views of Main Beach on the patio with a margarita in hand. “Las Brisas is the perfect setting for this delicious combo,” says Samantha DeLeon, chef at Las Brisas. “… Tacos, margaritas and an ocean view make me feel like I’m on vacation in Mexico somewhere, which is always a good time.” The tender pork, coated in a chile glaze, is tucked into blue corn tortillas then smothered in a relish made from tomatillos, chipotle peppers, garlic and shallots. The dish is finished with rings of fresh shallots and dots of tomatillo sauce. To drink, you simply must try The Pearl margarita, a refreshing option featuring Butterfly Cannon’s Rosa tequila, which is infused with pink grapefruit, plus creme de violette and lime juice. Placed on top, a tiny shell rests against a tropical green leaf, concealing a small mango popping pearl—a hidden treasure to enjoy. (949-497-5434; lasbrisaslagunabeach.com) g

From left: Korean tacos and the Lagniappe margarita at Starfish Laguna; blackened shrimp tacos and a margarita flight at Finney’s Crafthouse; pork belly tacos and The Pearl margarita at Las Brisas

Artists & Galleries / Metal Sculptures

Awe-Inspiring Alloys

METALWORKERS JULIE SETTERHOLM AND NEVADA SILVA SHOWCASE

LARGE-SCALE SCULPTURES INSPIRED BY NATURE.

By STEFANEE FREEDMAN

Viewing unique sculptures around Laguna Beach—sometimes on special loan to City Hall or exhibited at Heisler Park—is not uncommon in this art-enthused town.

When imagining sculpted art pieces, what comes to mind? Is it magnificent statues of marble or stone—like Michelangelo’s David, Auguste Rodin’s The Thinker and Alexandros of Antioch’s Venus de Milo? Or do you think of

Welded Wonders

Now a metal sculptor who showcases her work at the Sawdust Art Festival, Julie Setterholm started by experimenting with found objects, turning them into art pieces at an early age. She attributes her creative style to being surrounded by artists from many different mediums in her childhood.

grotesque faces sculpted into Gothic architecture? Maybe metal alien sculptures from artists like H.R. Giger?

Modern carvings use all kinds of materials to create intricate 3D images that are brought to life rather than existing on a flat painted canvas. Two local Sawdust Art Festival exhibitors have re-imagined metal sculpting to incorporate Laguna’s surrounding nature in tangible works of art.

A metal creation (above) in The Lovebug Collection by Julie Setterholm (top left) of Copperfeel Enameling

“Dion and Ruth Wright, who were friends of my father’s growing up, exposed me to so much—for instance, a huge metal spider on a web,” Setterholm says. “The spider was the size of a small child. That will stick with you.”

Setterholm was raised in Laguna Beach and one of her earliest artistic inspirations was her grandmother, Mary Alice Hamilton, who had a booth at the Sawdust festival the year Setterholm was born. “My grandmother had a craft room that had everything, from bead-making [and] woodworking to block printmaking tools, as well as an enameling kiln that would prove invaluable to my process later on,” she says. Another good friend and inspiration was Terry Thornsley, a Laguna Beach sculptor who shared his painting techniques with her before he passed away in 2015. “It was his nonjudgmental manner that inspired me. I love to reverse-engineer his process when I view his sculptures around town,” Setterholm adds.

Mainly using copper, bronze, stone, glass and steel, Setterholm creates pieces for her business, Copperfeel Enameling, that can handle the elements yet look delicate in nature. Most of her pieces are welded bronze and kiln-fired glass enamel over copper.

“A piece usually starts with curiosity: ‘Can I get the glass enamel colors to mimic that cloud? Can I cut and hammer that copper into a shape that resembles a dragonfly wing?’ Sometimes repetitive tasks, like making 100 leaves for a tree, … [give] my mind space to come up with a new idea or series,” Setterholm explains.

The latest phone booth installation on Forest Avenue, “We Need to Talk,” is a collaborative piece between Setterholm and Candice Brokenshire. Stop by to take a peek inside or visit the project’s Instagram page @weneedtotalklb to learn more. Setterholm’s work will also be on display this summer at the annual Sawdust show.

Journey to Metalworking

Working as a journeyman sheet metal specialist in his early 20s inspired Nevada Silva to start sculpting metal pieces. He now uses all different types of metals in his artwork, including steel, stainless steel, copper, bronze and aluminum.

“My most recent wave series … is a mixed media [collection] where I incorporate metal and wood together,” Silva notes. “I like the juxtaposition of the hard and soft organic elements together.”

Silva draws most of the influence for his artwork from nature. As an avid sailor and surfer, he incorporates a lot of the shapes and colors of the ocean in his sculptures. His metal work has also been inspired by Albert Paley, whose designs are unlike anything he’s seen before. “I’ve had the pleasure to see his work in person at a gallery in Big Sur, and I’m always left amazed and inspired,” he adds.

Silva’s artistic process starts with drawing out his new design on paper, then translating the design by cutting through the metal by hand using plasma cutters and various other tools. “My favorite part of the design process is when I’m able to do all of my patina and dye work,” Silva explains. “It’s what makes each piece unique with its color and patterns, which … [are] formed by using the specialty formulated concoctions I put together.”

Silva met his wife when he moved to

Below: Nevada Silva with one of his sculptures; left: another of his pieces installed above a bed

Laguna from central California 12 years ago, and her mother has long been an exhibiting artist in the Sawdust festival. Her family was instrumental in introducing Silva to the local art community, leading to him landing his own booth at the summertime art show.

“Metal is such a hard medium to work with, and welding and shaping … [are] lost skill[s] that not many people pursue … anymore,” Silva says. “The Sawdust gives me the opportunity to not only show my artwork, but also make other people’s visions come true with custom installations for their homes and businesses.”

Silva currently has a public sculpture—a geometrical living wall—located outside of the Sawdust festival grounds. He also works on commissioned pieces for residents or offices, creating logos and signs out of metal. “Maybe one day, when my body is worn out from hitting and banging metal for so many years, I will find a more delicate medium,” Silva notes. “But, as for now, metal is what I love and choose to work with.”

This coming summer will mark Silva’s ninth year exhibiting at Sawdust Art Festival. Visit his booth starting in late June to experience his unique metal sculptures. /

Q + A

Shining a Light

MEDIA NONPROFIT OC WORLD, A PBS SOCAL AFFILIATE CO-FOUNDED BY LAGUNAN SCOTT HAYS, DELVES INTO IMPORTANT ISSUES IN ORANGE COUNTY.

By SHARON STELLO

With community newspapers shuttering in many cities around Orange County—and across the nation— Laguna Beach resident Scott Hays decided to do something to help fill the gap in local news. Nearly three years ago, he and Manuel N. Gómez, vice chancellor of student affairs emeritus at UC Irvine, co-founded OC World, a nonprofit media organization and a PBS SoCal affiliate, covering in-depth stories about the county and its residents.

The organization’s show, which shares the same name as the nonprofit, broadcasts at 5 p.m. Mondays on KLCS-PBS to more than 15 million households from Santa Barbara to San Diego. The segments are also available on OC World’s YouTube channel; these videos have amassed a combined total of more than 100,000 views.

“ ‘OC World’ is a weekly, nonprofit, 30-minute public affairs show that produces deep-dive on-camera and in-studio interviews, documentary shorts and on-location stories that reflect the county’s diverse cultures and cities,” Hays explains. “We cover education and the arts, business and health, politics and people.”

The effort has been well-received, gaining recognition and quite a following. Last year, the

team’s “Hope Dies Last” documentary, about the impact of Alzheimer’s disease, won a Golden Mike Award from the Radio & Television News Association of Southern California for the best long-form program. The team also received the Real O.C. Award, presented by the OC Press Club, for a short documentary, “Coastal Crisis: California’s Vanishing Beaches.” This award recognizes the “story, review, feature, column, photo or broadcast video that best captures something special, surprising, telling or essential about Orange County.”

In addition to Alzheimer’s disease and the erosion of SoCal beaches, OC World has explored relationship violence and other serious topics, and has conducted interviews with leaders of agencies like the Orange County Power Authority and CalOptima Health, the largest Medi-Cal health insurer in OC, as well as local creatives like giant-screen filmmaker Greg MacGillivray.

Hays, who serves as OC World’s executive producer, formerly produced “Inside OC” and “SoCal Insider” with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Rick Reiff. Hays also teaches part-time at several community colleges in the region and has written or co-written

OC World co-founder Scott Hays (right) during an interview with Will and Cary Singleton, founders of the Singleton Foundation for Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship, at the Singleton Classics automotive museum in Costa Mesa

Scott Hays (left) and Manuel N. Gómez started OC World, a nonprofit media organization and PBS SoCal affiliate.

roughly a dozen, mostly nonfiction books. Additionally, Hays produced and hosted the show “OC Caravan” for Laguna radio station KX FM and Cox Channel 3 on TV and has served as executive producer of short documentaries for several nonprofits.

OC World is fiscally sponsored by nonprofit incubator Charitable Ventures and supported by the Orange County Community Foundation; the Keith and Judy Swayne Family Foundation and Marisla Foundation, both based in Laguna; Wells Fargo Bank; Farmers & Merchants Bank; UCI; and Santiago Canyon College.

Hays is passionate about OC partly because this is his lifelong home, having grown up in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa, then eventually settling in Laguna, falling in love with its local restaurants, arts and culture scene.

One of the most rewarding projects he spearheaded in Laguna was creating a music CD titled “Shelter Me” in 2008. Featuring performances by homeless musicians, the album raised money for the Friendship Shelter in town and aimed to debunk the sometimes negative perceptions that people have about homeless individuals.

Here, Hays talks about why he’s committed to highlighting local issues.

LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE: Why did you decide to start OC World?

SCOTT HAYS: We launched in 2021 when the decline of local print coverage hit Orange County and its 3.1 million residents particularly hard. Living in the shadow of the massive Los Angeles market, in effect, Orange County became one of the largest “news deserts” in the country. With support from local philanthropic leaders, we stepped into the void. A report by Northwestern University’s School of Journalism soon after found … “signs of hope” for communities with diminishing local news … coverage—the nonprofit media model.

LBM: What is your mission?

SH: Our mission at OC World is to inform, inspire and engage the community by delivering high-quality journalism and diverse perspectives on issues, events and people shaping Orange County. With a commitment

to integrity, transparency and inclusivity, OC World aims to become a trusted source of information and stimulate meaningful dialogue.

LBM: Why is it important to you to shine a light on issues affecting us locally?

SH: It’s important because of declining local print and digital news coverage. Our local communities are mostly subjected to nationalized news, which is often divisive and polarized. We are the only PBS TV multimedia public affairs organization focused on Orange County. Through our inclusive stories, we represent the rich diversity of this county and report on the significant triumphs and tragedies that face OC residents.

LBM: What are you currently working on?

SH: At the moment, we’re working on stories about the upcoming Southern California wildfire season, the historic transformation of the Irvine Ranch, the power and awe of music, and the new Orange County media landscape. We will never run out of story ideas. g

• ROOFING REPLACEMENTS/REPAIRS

• BALCONY DECK STRUCTURAL RECONSTRUCTION

• ROOFING WATERPROOFING

• EXTENSIVE DRY ROT/TERMITE REPAIRS

• SHEET METAL FOR HARSH COASTAL ENVIRONMENTS

• IN DEPTH SPECIFICATION/STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

• INTERIOR DAMAGE REPAIRS

• BALCONY RAIL SYSTEM DESIGNS/GLASS/CABLE

• PROFESSIONAL PAINTING SERVICES

• DOOR & WINDOW REPLACEMENT

• STUCCO/PLASTER RECONSTRUCTION

• RAIN GUTTERS/CHIMNEY CAPS

• SKYLIGHTS/ATTIC VENTING SYSTEMS

SERVING LAGUNA BEACH & NEWPORT BEACH

SUPER SANDWICHES

FROM COLD TO HOT, CLASSICS OR UNIQUE STACKS, THESE PORTABLE MEALS ARE PERFECT FOR A QUICK BITE AND AN EASY ANSWER WHEN DECIDING WHAT TO EAT FOR LUNCH, DINNER OR A SNACK.

By SHARON STELLO

People have long pondered the best thing since sliced bread. The answer seems obvious: a sandwich, since it builds on sliced bread with your favorite meats, cheeses or other ingredients placed right in the middle.

For many of us, a sandwich was the first thing we learned to make in the kitchen as kids, smearing peanut butter on one slice of bread and jelly on the other, then smashing them together. But you can put almost anything between two pieces of wheat, sourdough or rye, making for seemingly endless varieties. From a meatball sub dripping with marinara to an Italian option layered with deli meats or even a simple grilled cheese, sandwiches can be basic—reminiscent of school lunches—or elevated fare.

The sandwich is believed to be named after John Montagu, the fourth earl of Sandwich. In 1700s England, the story goes, Montagu requested salt beef between two pieces of toasted bread so that he could eat with one

hand while continuing his long card game sessions. But, although the sandwich may owe its name and popularity to the earl, variations of the concoction can be traced back centuries to the “korech,” consumed during Jewish Passover. Hillel the Elder, a rabbi in Jerusalem around 110 B.C., suggested eating bitter herbs—representing the bitterness of slavery— inside unleavened matzo.

While not every sandwich is as symbolic, they’re an easy option, whether you’re planning a spring picnic or just looking for lunch. Sandwiches have endured through time, growing in popularity and the number of options.

“It’s like our love for a good burrito—it can be wrapped, thrown in a bag and eaten with your hands,” says Zac Cornwell, co-owner of Wigz deli. “It can be eaten now or later. [And] you can get an abundance of flavors all in one bite without having … to stab it all on a fork.”

And when it comes to tasty and unique sandwiches, from paninis to French dips, this town’s offerings really stack up.

DELI DELIGHTS

Wigz, which opened over the summer in a former wig shop on South Coast Highway, is solely dedicated to “sandos.” Cornwell, a former financial planner who grew up in town and managed several Gelato Paradiso shops during college, missed working in the food service industry. And he felt the community was missing something, so Cornwell and his fiancee, Kelly Skvarna, opened Wigz.

“We have needed a proper sandwich shop in Laguna my entire life,” Cornwell says. “Some of the older generation can remember Stottlemyers, but that was way before my time.”

Wigz deli offers combinations like pesto grilled cheese packed with veggies and balsamic, the spicy tuna on Dutch Crunch bread and a hot pastrami, among others. Cornwell believes a good sandwich comes down to “fresh ingredients [and] really good bread.” For the record, Wigz uses bread from Bread Artisan Bakery, whose owner lives in Laguna.

“The bread is everything,” Cornwell says about selecting the base for a sandwich. “It’s been a challenge because all of our bread is so good. The main thing I am looking for is how the bread complements the ingredients. When I remake menu items—most recently, October of last year—I really struggle to choose the bread for each sandwich. … A lot of sandwiches will take on a whole new life depending on which bread they come on. The veggie, for example, comes on squaw, but it’s also amazing on Dutch Crunch.” Wigz customers can choose their own

bread or go with the standard option for each menu item. Or they can select a “sub in a tub” to skip the bread completely. Cornwell says another key to a good sandwich is assembling it so that no one element overwhelms the others. “It can be tricky to balance a sandwich, but I think we’ve gotten it down,” he says. When asked which items are the shop’s most popular, Cornwell has a three-part answer because “it’s not really a fair fight for the top.” First is the Turkey Bacon Avo, “a California classic … on the ever-popular Dutch Crunch.” No. 2 is the Laguna Italian, a filling combination of meats and veggies topped with housemade Italian dressing—“It’s savory with a hint of sweet,” he says. No. 3 is the Sir Melvin, “a local go-to sandwich” created by one of his friends, Brennen Mulvaney (nicknamed Melvin), who helped open the shop. It brings together turkey, avocado, shredded lettuce, tomato, red onion, peperoncinis, mayo, Dijon mustard and Italian dressing on squaw bread. “Brennen … whipped up a sandwich he remembered from his childhood and made me try it. I think I drooled after my first bite and, thus, the Sir Melvin was born,” Cornwell says. Some sandwiches, like the Wigz Grinder, include a house-made spicy cream cheese, which is a flavor bomb that simply must be tried. “Cream cheese is an underrated sandwich ‘sauce,’ in my opinion,” Cornwell says.

Aioli is also among the oft-used spreads. When it comes to classics, head to Sapphire, Cellar-Craft-Cook for the BLT, which incorporates herb-and-pepper aioli,

applewood-smoked bacon, sweet gem lettuce and tomato on artisan multigrain bread.

Meanwhile, Rye Goods downtown offers an Italian Market sandwich with house-made mustard, mayo and pickles, Swiss cheese, shredded gem lettuce, radicchio, heirloom tomatoes, capers, red onion and Italian vinaigrette on sourdough. “We … will be releasing more and more flavors as the weather warms up and more produce hits the market,” says Rye Goods owner Sara Lezama.

Additionally, the cafe has a breakfast sandwich that starts with a sesame bagel smeared with chive cream cheese, then layers on crispy smashed potato, an over-medium egg, chives, house-made chile crunch oil and lemon drizzle, proving sandwiches aren’t just for lunch.

A breakfast sandwich can also be found at Zinc Cafe with two fried eggs, cucumber, tomato, arugula and pickled onions on a bagel with herb cream cheese. For lunch at Zinc, consider the egg salad, with Tabasco, Dijon, butter lettuce and tomato on whole wheat, or the Zinc Reubenesque with roasted beets, sauerkraut, Gruyere cheese, Zinc sauce and coriander on toasted rye.

Opposite page: the Zinc Reubenesque at Zinc Cafe; this page, clockwise from above: Spicy Tuna (left) and Sir Melvin sandwiches with pasta salad at Wigz deli; an egg salad sandwich at Zinc Cafe; the Italian Market sandwich at Rye Goods

HOT STUFF

When it comes to sandwiches, some are a delicate affair—think crustless nibbles at tea time—while others offer a hearty helping that fills you up like a plated meal. For example, Orange Inn serves a Holiday Turkey rendition with Thanksgiving fixings like turkey and cranberry sauce, finished with mayo, red onions and lettuce, and a hot-off-the-grill corned beef and Swiss on rye with pickles and onions.

Over at Rye Goods, spring diners will find The Alpine, a hot pressed sandwich on a fresh-baked sourdough baguette with Alpine cheese (similar to Gruyere), sauteed alliums (leeks and spring onions), house-made creamy pepper bechamel and hot honey.

“This is an amazing sandwich and sold out so fast on launch day,” Lezama says.

Reunion Kitchen & Drink in north Laguna features quite a few savory sandos, from pulled pork to the Cafe Patty Melt and Prime Rib Dip, which sometimes sells out. The patty melt is based on a recipe that originated at Tiny Naylor’s on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood around 1958. Triple-thick cheddar is served with grilled onions on a special grilled marbled rye (without caraway seeds), a side of Thousand Island dressing and a pickle.

“A great sandwich is all in the details,” says Scott McIntosh, co-owner of Reunion Kitchen & Drink. “From oven-roasted prime rib to fresh grilled chicken or USDA Prime hamburgers, the protein must be prepared

properly. Fresh baked bread is a must—we receive it daily from OC Baking Co. All sauces should be spread completely to ensure maximum flavor in every bite.”

The Prime Rib Dip piles on meat that’s roasted daily. “It’s wildly popular because we really care about doing it right,” McIntosh explains. “It’s USDA Prime beef, thinly sliced, rich au jus and then we spread it with horseradish aioli. All served up on a beautiful OC Baking Co. baguette.”

And Reunion’s grilled meatloaf sandwich takes this classic up a notch—without the typical addition of ketchup. Warm meatloaf is nestled on Parmesan sourdough with roasted garlic mayo, smoked bacon, American cheese, tomato and shredded lettuce; grilled onions are optional. “It’s basically like if Krispy Kreme made a meatloaf sandwich—that’s what it would taste like,” McIntosh says.

A grilled tuna melt is another dineresque sandwich at Reunion. The tuna salad comes together with cheddar and sliced tomato on grilled Parmesan sourdough; avocado and bacon can be added upon request and a hand-cut dill pickle (the same one used at Disneyland) is served on the side. Wigz also has a tuna melt with white cheddar, havarti, tomato, mustard and spread on marble rye. But one of Cornwell’s favorites at Wigz is the spicy tuna, which ups the ante with pepperjack cheese and a bit of heat; he prefers this panini grilled on Dutch Crunch bread. Penguin Cafe,

opened in the 1940s as a malt shop, also offers a tuna melt while another tuna sandwich variety—with a fun name to boot—is the Lagoona Tuna at Orange Inn, which comes toasted with white albacore and pico de gallo.

And Wigz recently introduced the Rumari’s Meatball Sub made with meatballs from Rumari, the Italian and Greek restaurant next door. “It has been a hit,” Cornwell says. “It is first come, first served, so if it’s on your mind, you might want to call us ahead to make sure we haven’t sold out. [And] there will be some

The Crunchy Chicken Sandwich, which layers in potato chips, at Reunion Kitchen & Drink Oak’s chicken pesto sandwich

Banh mi sandwiches at Saigon Beach

additional new creations coming soon.”

A few other places in town offer a meatball sub, including Gina’s Pizza, which also has a chicken Parmesan sandwich. At Alessa by Chef Pirozzi, the lunch menu claims its version has the “best homemade meatballs ever” with a cheese blend in a ragu sauce, and warns diners that “this is addictive.”

Other local specialties include a Monte Cristo at Kitchen in the Canyon, complete with ham, turkey and Swiss on Hawaiian bread dipped into a French toast batter and fried, then served with raspberry jam. This canyon spot also whips up a variety reminiscent of a Philly cheesesteak, with tri-tip, sauteed bell peppers and onions, melty Swiss and horseradish mayo on a French roll.

No doubt, we could write an entire story on chicken sandwiches around town, from the Honey Chicken Brie—a fan favorite at Reunion—to the pesto chicken and spicy crispy chicken sandwiches at Oak, the fried chicken option with jalapeno tartar sauce at Lumberyard and Ahba’s Chicken Sammie with green cabbage slaw, pickled mustard seed, Fresno peppers, harissa honey, Ahba sauce and a side of buttermilk ranch. And then there’s Reunion’s Crunchy Chicken Sandwich with grilled or fried chicken breast and, among the layered ingredients, crumpled potato chips. “My wife, Rosemary, always puts potato chips on her sandwiches—gives it that extra crunch,” McIntosh says. “We thought it

was a fun idea and our guests love it.”

When it comes to seafood, The Deck on Laguna Beach features a grilled mahi mahi sandwich with Cajun remoulade, cabbage slaw and pickled shallots among the accouterments. And Mosaic Bar & Grille at Montage Laguna Beach has both a blackened fish sandwich made with the daily catch as well as a lobster roll with Maine lobster, tarragon creme fraiche, pickled celery and smoked trout roe.

Of course, sometimes simple is best, and Oak has the perfect grilled cheese and roasted tomato soup, a timeless pairing. Many other local eateries serve grilled cheese, from Penguin Cafe to The Cliff and The Deck, the latter of which uses Danish fontina and Vermont cheddar, caramelized onions and applewood bacon, also with tomato soup.

WORLDLY WONDERS

Different cultures have their own take on the sandwich, too. Adolfo’s Mexican Food offers “tortas,” which start with toasted bread slathered with mayo, then pile on beans and your choice of carne asada, carnitas, chicken, chorizo or bacon and eggs, all topped with lettuce, tomato, onions, guacamole and sour cream. It offers all the flavors of a burrito, but in sandwich form. Mosaic also offers an al pastor torta with grilled chicken, pineapple slaw, lettuce, tomato, avocado and jalapeno aioli.

Head to Oak for a Cuban-ish Sandwich, served warm with smoked ham, pastrami and

peppered bacon, melted Swiss, So Cal sauce and spicy pickles. Or visit Moulin, where the menu features traditional French options including Le Croque Monsieur, a grilled housemade ham and cheese, and Madame, which builds on that with a sunny side-up egg on top.

At Saigon Beach, the banh mi sandwich reigns supreme. This Vietnamese creation— with French influences from colonial times in the Asian country—starts with a toasty baguette giving way to savory grilled pork or other proteins, a sprinkling of cilantro, tangy pickled carrots and jicama, some heat from sliced jalapenos, a light layer of mayo and the cooling crunch of cucumber. Swap the grilled pork for pork belly, brisket beef, shredded chicken, tofu, mushroom or jackfruit.

“An employee favorite … is a pho baguette dip,” says Saigon Beach manager Annabel Vu. “It contains the fixings of a pho noodle soup in a toasted baguette served with a side of pho broth. You can dip it or sip it. So delicious and perfect when you can’t decide between soup or sandwich—have both.”

And Starfish Laguna offers a slider version of the banh mi—either beef with housepickled slaw and Sriracha aioli or crispy seasoned soft-shell crab with fresh vegetable slaw, cilantro and an aioli trio.

With so many options, the hardest part is deciding which to choose. Luckily, every day is an opportunity to try a new iteration of the best thing since sliced bread. g

The BLT, with herb-and-pepper aioli and applewood-smoked bacon, at Sapphire, Cellar-Craft-Cook

Lumberyard’s fried chicken sandwich with jalapeno tartar sauce

RAMPING UP

RECREATION

Laguna’s new community center expands sports, arts and other activities offered

in town.

By TANYA A. YACINA

What was once a vacant site, formerly home to St. Catherine of Siena Parish School, is now bustling with activity, from kids showing off their skateboarding skills on temporary ramps to drop-in games of pickleball, basketball and volleyball in the gym and creative energy flowing in various art classes.

When the school shuttered during the pandemic and remained empty in the following years, city leaders began to see

potential in the property, envisioning a place to expand recreation activities toward the south end of town. Following a lengthy process, that vision started to take shape when the city closed escrow on the $23 million purchase in late 2022.

The City Council quickly followed up in January 2023 with an interim use plan for the 6.5-acre property at 30516 S. Coast Highway, dubbed the Laguna Beach Community & Recreation Center. Now various classes, workshops and

Above: The new Laguna Beach Community & Recreation Center includes an on-site chapel (shown), which may be available for small weddings starting this summer. Below: a Paint, Paste & Pour class

sports activities for all ages are being offered there—with plans for more in the future.

In addition to the gym and temporary, portable skate ramps—which create “a safe, designated space for skateboarding in Laguna Beach,” says Alexis Braun, the city’s recreation manager—there’s a grass field, playground, an art room and classrooms that can be used for recreation programs for all ages or rented for meetings and training sessions. The possibilities are seemingly endless.

“This new space gives the city so much flexibility in the kinds of space we have available and the programs we can provide,” Braun says. “For example, the city has never

“THE REC CENTER OFFERS THE TOWN A VALUABLE RESOURCE BY PROVIDING A SPACE FOR PEOPLE TO GATHER, PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES AND CONNECT WITH OTHERS.”

LEIF HANSON, FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF THE NONPROFIT LAGUNA COAST VOLLEYBALL CLUB

using other locations around Laguna and may or may not offer classes at the center later. For now, only the city is holding art classes there.

Some of the city’s spring art programs at the center include Paint, Paste & Pour— exploring creativity with paint, crayons, glue, dough and more—for ages 1 1/2 to 6; multimedia art—drawing and painting animals with watercolors and oil pastels—for kids ages 5 to 8; ceramics for adults and teens ages 14 and up; and ceramics for adults and teens ages 14 and up.

“The existing facility also includes a kiln in the art room and the city looks forward to … offer[ing] additional art classes for the community,” Braun says.

ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES

had a full indoor gymnasium until now, and that is the most consistently used space.”

TAPPING INTO CREATIVITY

Braun says community recreation centers like this play a fundamental role in promoting an active lifestyle, enhancing quality of life and building a sense of community, all of which can contribute to a happier, healthier society. Numerous classes, summer camps and enrichment events are scheduled for adults and kids alike.

LOCA Arts Education, a local nonprofit in town, offered a series of art workshops at the center during the winter, but is currently

Also this spring, for those seeking classes to help them get moving, the city presents a variety of youth tumbling and gymnastics sessions for ages ranging from 9 months to 12 years; Music & Wiggles for ages 1 1/2 to 4; and futsal, or indoor soccer, with sessions based on age from 4-14.

Some of the other springtime sports offered in the gym are pickleball—choose from private lessons, full court reservations and drop-in play time—as well as adult dropin basketball and youth volleyball programs. For more information on upcoming classes and activities, call 949-715-8620 or view current offerings through the city’s Recreation Division online at lagunabeachcity.net.

“The indoor gymnasium and grass practice field are also available to rent for sports practices,” Braun says.

For example, Laguna Coast Volleyball Club began utilizing the gym for practices in

Clockwise from bottom left: a Laguna Coast Volleyball Club practice; a tumbling class for local little ones; one of the center’s portable skateboarding ramps

early September as a way to expand current volleyball programs for local youth. The club uses the center’s gym for programs including Club Lite for girls and boys ages 7-10 and 11-14; all are welcome and no tryouts are required. The U11 and U12 Club Teams also meet at the gym for practice and training.

“With the limited gym space in Laguna, the Rec Center has allowed us to accommodate more Laguna Beach youth into our programs and teach them the fun and amazing game of volleyball,” says Leif Hanson, founder and director of the nonprofit Laguna Coast Volleyball Club. “Our youth volleyball programs are structured to be both educational and competitive. Younger age groups prioritize learning the fundamentals and building a solid foundation in the sport, while older age groups can participate in local and

out-of-state tournaments and competitions.”

Hanson says the volleyball programs focus on teaching proper volleyball fundamentals and helping boys and girls and young teens develop a love for the sport in a positive and fun environment. In addition to programs at the center, the club offers after-school sessions at both elementary schools in town as well as a U15 team; some of the programs operate at Thurston Middle School. To join a program or for more information, visit lagunacoastvolleyballclub.org.

LOOKING AHEAD

According to Braun, a firm has been hired to begin working on the Facilities Master Plan for the city and all its facilities, which will include the recreation center. An interim plan allows the center to operate until the

Master Plan moves forward and renovations can be made.

“The city is looking forward to hosting youth theater, beginning golf, art, science, gardening and youth literacy support camps this summer,” Braun says.

The recreation center property also has a small chapel and the city is in the process of developing a use permit to host small wedding ceremonies on the site; it’s expected to be available beginning this summer—adding one more use to the already bustling location.

“The Rec Center offers the town a valuable resource by providing a space for people to gather, participate in activities and connect with others,” Hanson says. “It fosters a sense of community spirit and can contribute to Laguna Beach residents’ overall health and well-being.” g

These portable skate ramps, pictured at sunset, create a safe place for youth in town to enhance their skateboarding skills in a relaxed setting.

LAGUNA BEACH

No one knows coastal Orange County real estate better, or represents it as well, as John Stanaland. John earned a reputation for excellence based on unparalleled service and representation of his clients – a level of commitment evidenced through a multitude of record-setting career sales totaling over $4.5B. His success is also about the relationships he’s built, creating a loyal clientele that appreciates his tenacity, knowledge, and negotiation skills.

A Laguna Beach native, John represents a 100+ year lineage of real estate professionals dating back to 1919. Today John carries on a legacy of extraordinary vision and market insight, with a nuanced understanding of every enclave and amenity.

Shauna and Leita Covington, a remarkable Mother-Daughter Team from Laguna Beach, bring a touch of style and professionalism to the world of real estate. With a combined 40 years+ of experience, deeply rooted local knowledge and an unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional service, they truly embody the perfect balance of tradition and innovation. Their commitment to staying at the forefront of industry trends and technological advancements ensures that their clients always receive the highest level of service, tailored to their own unique needs and aspirations. Shauna’s consistently top ranked sales volume, combined with Leita’s modern marketing and creative skills, create a powerful partnership and dynamic real estate duo.

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Amanda Horton & Jace Horton YOUR REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS

We are humbled to be in the company of Laguna Beach real estate icons. Any such status is owed completely to our clients, as we are only Icons by a job well done. It is our honor to represent our client’s best interests through their real estate transactions. Our brother sister team with founder Pamela Horton, brings generations of experience and guidance that is unmatched. We value our partnerships with fellow agents, lenders, inspectors and contractors to name a few, that have set our clients ahead to achieve success. We look forward to many more years of living and working in beautiful Laguna Beach.

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With us, commitment isn’t just a promise—it is a way of life. We are available seven days a week, never off duty, and ensure your calls are promptly returned every time. With boundless energy and a solutions-oriented approach, we tackle every task, big or small, with the same enthusiasm and dedication. Even if it means taking out your trash or helping pack up your kitchen (true story!). But it’s not just business—it’s personal. We are here to make the process enjoyable and stress free. From laughter to tears, we are by your side every step of the way, guiding you with peace of mind throughout the journey of buying and selling and beyond. Honestly, we simply love what we do and are thankfully very good at it!

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CARTING AROUND TOWN

Some of the coolest wheels in Laguna Beach are golf carts and Mokes.

By JOE YOGERST

A

CLASSIC WOODY WAGON, VINTAGE VOLKSWAGEN MICROBUS OR DROP-TOP

Porsche are among the coolest rides along the Southern California coast. But a much more efficient way of getting around a beach town—in terms of cost, parking, eco-friendliness and even customization—is a form of transportation that many of us take for granted: the humble golf cart.

Locals Larry Lewis and his wife, Jean Fallowfield, and their dog, Calypso, with their Moke (left) and Keohen Smith with his dog, Chewie, in his golf cart

Sure, they’re still a staple of country club living and retirement communities, but their evolution into street-legal vehicles over the past few decades is astounding. With a top speed of 20 to 30 miles per hour, they’re never going to beat you off the line at a green light. But totally tricked-out golf carts that ply Orange County coastal cities today will turn far more heads than your suburban sedan.

Nowhere is this more evident than Laguna Beach, where so many residents have adopted the open-air rides that a couple of parades even feature decorated golf carts at Christmas and Halloween. And there’s an owner group—the Laguna Beach Golf Cart Club—with more than 430 members.

Keohen Smith, one of the club’s founders and a local real estate agent, started the Christmas Golf Cart Parade in 2020 during the pandemic. “It was a fun and festive way to social distance and have some holiday cheer,” he says, adding that he now plans them with other club leaders. “This year, we had over 40 carts and it’s only getting better,” he says.

Smith explains that golf carts are street legal everywhere that the speed limit is posted as 35 miles per hour and below. Technically, golf carts can be driven on Coast Highway along stretches with the lower speed limit, but it’s not recommended because of the traffic, especially on busy summer weekends. It’s better

to use side streets like Glenneyre or Catalina, advises Smith.

In some ways, he says, golf carts are like any other automobile. “You have to register with the DMV and pay a registration fee every year like a car,” Smith says. “So they’re basically little vehicles”—complete with license plates, seat belts, brake lights and blinkers, he adds.

The mechanics may be similar, but they have a cool coastal vibe and can be customized in any number of ways to really stand out on Laguna streets. Plus, you get to feel the beach breeze in your hair as you drive—and parking can be easier with the smaller profile of a golf cart and some dedicated spaces in town.

NOT YOUR GRANDFATHER’S GOLF CART

These are nothing like the carts that your uncle or granddad may have piloted around a golf course.

Apex Golf Carts in Laguna Hills sells and rents new and used golf carts (both gas and electric types) and also services and repairs them. Among the options are all-electric Evolution Golf Carts with rugged tires that look like they could handle dune riding in the Mojave Desert or a jungle expedition in the Amazon.

“Our bestselling vehicles are the Evolution D5 Series,” says Apex CEO Jessica Moeller.

Inset: Golf carts can be seen just about everywhere around town. Above: The popularity of golf carts has grown over the years. Pictured is Heidi Draper and her family in their cart back in 2013.

“These are the newer models and include the Maverick 4- and 6-passenger, and the Ranger 4- and 6-passenger. These carts include all the add-ons of modern luxury in a golf cart with a sleek look, great sound system, USB ports for charging devices, forward-facing seats, rear storage, etc.”

Powered by a 48-volt AC system and available in nine body colors—from Sky Blue to Flamenco Red—a top-of-the-line 2024 Evolution with all the bells and whistles goes for around $14,000 and includes an eight-year warranty on the battery. And, no, you can’t drive it off the lot. Seeing as all the roads leading down to the shore are over 35 mph, Apex trucks it to your coastal home or office for free in OC.

But you don’t have to spend that much. Apex offers used E-Z-Go, Evolution, Club

Car, American Custom Golf Cars (ACG) and Yamaha golf carts for as little as $3,500. The business also sells a wide range of replacement parts and accessories, from heaters and horns to alarms, storage covers, cargo boxes and even surf racks.

Apex can also customize a cart with special paint, upholstery, rims and more. “We have tons of examples, but a fire truck golf cart has been one of the biggest hits,” Moeller says. “We have requests frequently for highly customized carts with initials or sports team emblems stitched into custom seat covers, custom paint, etc. Southern California is an amazing area to have a golf cart—and better yet, a custom golf cart.”

Moeller says that in addition to individual golf cart owners in the beach communities, Apex sells to “tons of local businesses” including security companies, churches, schools, hotels and retirement communities as well as handling golf cart rentals for all types of events. “The percentage varies but is likely 60% businesses and 40% individual consumers,” she estimates.

Smith bought his blue-green, four-seater E-Z-Go golf cart pre-owned 18 years ago. “Mine had a life on a golf course in Palm Springs before I even got it and made it street legal,” he says. Then he set about gradually customizing his ride. “It’s raised and has big ‘off-road’-looking tires with custom rims [and a] front bar with extra lights,” he says. “I also have eight solar Tiki torches, which look great at night and help keep me visible to others.”

For winter, he puts on a rain cover to

Keohen Smith can be seen driving around with his dog, Chewie, who he affectionately calls his “co-pilot.” “He’s my partner and a cute little dog—that has his own bed. I’m technically his chauffeur,” Smith jokes.

make the cart fully enclosed. “I can still drive around town in the heaviest of rains and stay dry and warm,” he says. “In summer, it’s back to the beach cart.”

Smith can often be seen driving around town with his dog, Chewie, who he affectionately calls his “co-pilot.” “He’s my partner and a cute little dog—that has his own bed. I’m technically his chauffeur,” Smith jokes. So what does he like about driving a golf cart? “The ease of getting around, they’re fun, practical, easy to park—the city has even put dedicated golf cart parking throughout town—[and] you can customize them, which most have done,” Smith says. “There’s no two carts in town that look alike. I love the uniqueness of them all. Some old, new, groovy, lowered, raised, etc. There’s endless options available nowadays.

“On a beautiful day, would you rather be in a car or sitting outside on a golf cart enjoying the weather? Plus, it makes traffic enjoyable. Oh, did I mention they’re fun?”

MOKIN’ HOT RIDE

Another tiny vehicle that’s occasionally seen tooling around Laguna Beach is a Mini Moke. Originally designed for military use, the lightweight, front-wheel-drive, gas-powered, doorless contraptions never gained traction with the British army or navy but later took off as fun-to-drive recreational vehicles.

The first Mini Moke rolled off the assembly line in Birmingham, England, in 1964. They were later made in Australia, Portugal and, most recently, China.

Keohen Smith in his golf cart with dog Chewie

TAYLOR RULE

406 Riverside Ave | Newport Beach

430 El Modena Ave | Newport Beach 33122 Paseo Celestial | San Juan Capistrano 494 Hilledge Dr | Laguna Beach

2507 Island View Dr | Newport Beach

Nottigham Rd | Newport Beach 2751 De Soto Ave | Costa Mesa

Cliff Dr | Laguna Beach

Longtime Laguna Beach resident Larry Lewis, a retired general contractor, drives a 1974 purple Mini Moke that was manufactured in Australia before being imported into the U.S. by the previous owner. It’s powered by a four-cylinder engine and, in good British Empire fashion, the steering wheel is on the right side of the open cockpit. “It’s basically the same frame and running gear as a classic Mini Cooper,” he says.

What prompted Lewis to invest in a Moke? “Twenty years ago or more, when my wife, Jean, and I used to go to Catalina Island on my boat, they rented Mini Mokes over there,” he says. “They were just an open body, little four-speed car you could race around the island. A few years ago, I was looking to buy a golf cart to cruise around town, but I wanted something unique.”

When he bought the Moke, it was purple with blue trim. He has since repainted it

Left: Larry Lewis and his wife, Jean Fallowfield, and their dog, Calypso, in their Moke (also pictured above) at the holidays.

back to purple with white trim, as close to the original color as he could. And a friend gave Lewis a little hula dancer that now adorns the hood. Notably, his Moke isn’t limited to only streets with speed limit postings of 35 mph or less like golf carts are.

“It’s a perfect car to drive around town and fits in tiny parking spaces. Since it is street legal on all roads, we take it to the dog park, Balboa Island, Costa Mesa, Dana Point and all the events around town like the Sawdust [Art Festival], Heisler Park and, of course, [the] ‘Lagunatics,’ ” says Lewis, who volunteers with the beloved show at No Square Theatre and was even in the production for a few years.

Like golf carts, Mokes have evolved into 21st-century vehicles: The new ones are allelectric (rather than internal combustion).

“The electric Moke is the perfect ride for local neighborhoods,” says Todd Rome, CEO and founder of Moke America, which has several authorized dealer locations in Southern California. “They are street legal, electric and super fun. Each Moke is fully customizable. You can mix and match colors and options as you please for a truly bespoke experience. Plus, we just added lithium batteries, which extend range to 75 or 50 miles depending on which package you choose. That’s been a game-changer for Moke America.”

Buyers can build their Moke online at mokeamerica.com, choosing from 12 different colors (or camo) for the body, roll bars, grill and bumpers. Rather than the standard black bucket seats, you can add white seats or wicker seats and opt for a bench in the back. You can choose a Bimini top in solid or striped patterns or add a wood steering wheel for a stylish touch.

“For after-market customization, we also sell a full line of patterned seat covers, tire covers, Bimini and full tops, a roof rack, woven tan floor mats, and Moke America merchandise,” Rome adds. “And some of our dealers—like Bert’s Mega Mall in [Covina, serving all of Los Angeles]—offer further customization features like specialty seats and rims.”

Moke America also produces special editions like the “007”-inspired, blue-andwhite “San Monique” Moke that appeared in “Live and Let Die” with Roger Moore (Mokes appeared in four James Bond films) and the new peony pink-and-green Lilly Pulitzer Moke.

“I’ve had Porsches and different cars,” Lewis says. “But I can tell you that I get more looks and more people that wanna take a photo with the Moke than I ever did with a Porsche. Because it’s right-hand drive, my border collie, [Calypso,] sits on the left side. And people just stare and laugh and smile and wave. It’s just the greatest little car.” g

The special edition Lilly Pulitzer Moke adds some extra style to a driver’s set of wheels.

@ALEXDIGIACOMO

ALFRESCO FEASTS

SAVOR SPRING FLAVORS AT THESE OPEN-AIR EATERIES IN LAGUNA BEACH.

By ASHLEY PROBST AND LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE

NESTLED ALONG THE PICTURESQUE CALIFORNIA COASTLINE, LAGUNA Beach offers unparalleled dining experiences amid its stunning outdoor settings. Breathtaking vistas merge with locally sourced fare, offering diners an authentic taste of the region. Fire pits and live music elevate the alfresco dining experience, transforming every meal into a memorable celebration of nature, community and the culinary arts.

Fire pits at The Porch at The Ranch at Laguna Beach

OUTDOOR AMBIANCE

Laguna Beach has an abundance of atmospheres for outdoor dining: The terrace at Oliver’s Osteria that transports guests from the canyon to the Italian countryside, rooftop restaurants like Skyloft and Mozambique that provide panoramic views of the sunkissed shore, and several eateries with small “parklet” patios on Forest Avenue, a favorite spot for strolling and dining downtown.

“I think that the quintessential California experience is that most people want to be outside … [to] enjoy the atmosphere,” says Marc Cohen, executive chef and operating partner at 230 Forest Avenue. “Our regular guests, who have been well-traveled and have spent time in Europe, really enjoy the opportunity to dine outside and have a bottle of wine.”

When the city granted special permission

Top row: The Promenade on Forest, which often features live music; bottom right: outdoor seating at Moulin, also on The Promenade; bottom left: a patio with ocean views at C’est La Vie

for restaurants on a stretch of Forest Avenue to create outdoor dining parklets when businesses reopened during the COVID-19 pandemic, 230 Forest Avenue was among them.

Some of the other eateries here include French bistro Moulin with its crepes, fresh salads and sandwiches and Italian restaurant Alessa by Chef Pirozzi, which serves up pastas, pizzas and other entrees made with traditional family recipes. This dining and retail destination ultimately turned into a permanent pedestrian plaza dubbed The Promenade on Forest.

And it wasn’t only the restaurants that advocated for this space to remain. “The locals really felt that it added to the community,” Cohen says. “I’ve been in Laguna for 30 years and I think that this is the first time we really see people gathering [like this]. … It’s

become a meeting place and the gathering point for the city, and it gives it a completely different feel and flavor.”

Just down Coast Highway, The Old Pottery Place anchored by corner restaurant Sapphire, Cellar-Craft-Cook has preserved multiple aspects of Laguna’s history including The Greeter statue and original pieces from The Pottery Shack, which the building previously housed.

“Sapphire is in an iconic location,” says owner Russ Bendel. “It’s got that nice charm, that historic feel. We’ve got a multilevel patio that has a relaxed, comfortable Laguna Beach vibe that is set up with a fire pit in the center.”

With bright orange umbrellas, peekaboo ocean views, citrus trees lining the patio, succulents and other floral elements, Sapphire captures the essence of this artistic California city.

Of course, in a beach town like Laguna, it’s no surprise that many restaurants take advantage of the coastal location. Among them, California-influenced French cuisine can be found at C’est La Vie restaurant and bakery, which also has a deck overlooking the ocean. And Larsen at Hotel Laguna offers outdoor seating to enjoy a meal; choose from burgers, tacos, a shrimp po’boy, salmon nicoise, moules frites, tuna crudo and more.

For a quintessential beach dining experience, Lost Pier Cafe’s patio is right next to the sand at Aliso Beach. Come straight from the surf, with your sandy toes or flip-flops, and enjoy breakfast burritos, fish tacos, poke bowls, burgers or hot dogs while watching the waves crash onto the shore. Even rent a portable fire pit from the cafe to roast s’mores. The Deck on Laguna Beach also

offers a close-to-the-beach setting to sip creative cocktails and indulge in fresh seafood from ceviche to oysters, cioppino, shrimp tacos and more on the oceanfront patio.

The Cliff is another place to tuck into a meal while keeping one eye on the ocean views: From chilaquiles, omelets or French toast in the morning to grilled shrimp salad or fish and chips at lunch and surf and turf for dinner. Notably, fine dining spot Splashes at Surf & Sand Resort is expected to reopen in late June after a remodel, so guests may once again enjoy the patio seating where you can hear the crashing waves below.

In north Laguna, diners will find an expansive patio at Urth Caffé, which serves up European-style delights from waffles to quiche, pizzas with unique toppings, sandwiches, salads, baked goods and coffee

drinks. Next door, a garden patio offers open-air dining for Dai Mei Express Hot Pot.

The location is ideal for those taking a break from gallery hopping or visiting Laguna Art Museum across the street or fueling up for an afternoon of downtown shopping.

While downtown, a few spots with outdoor seating are La Sirena Grill, with all manner of tacos and burritos plus a popular blackened salmon salad; Rasta Taco, which offers flavorful Jamaican jerk chicken and Caribbean carne asada or al pastor tacos, burritos and Reggae Bowls; or Lumberyard, where comfort food like burgers, meatloaf and baby back ribs can be enjoyed on the side patio to soak up some sunshine and take in the bustling scene.

Zinc Cafe is a go-to downtown spot with a large patio and lots of vegetarian and vegan options, unique items like potato arugula pizza,

Clockwise from top left: The Deck on Laguna Beach; Rasta Taco; The Cliff; rooftop tables at Skyloft

Thai salad, a mushroom Dijon veggie burger and breakfast selections for all-day dining. And before a show at Laguna Playhouse, consider dinner on Nirvana Kitchen & Pantry’s downtown rooftop: Choose from wild mushroom ravioli, pistachio and pankocrusted Chilean sea bass or filet mignon with peppercorn sauce and a cocktail as the sun sinks lower on the horizon, filling the sky with streaks of pink and purple.

CULINARY ADVENTURES

While the vibrant outdoor settings of Laguna Beach set the stage, it’s within these surroundings that chefs harness the essence of the region to craft culinary masterpieces. Seasonal and locally sourced ingredients are the star of the show, leading to the innovative creations that emerge out of these diverse kitchens.

For breakfast or weekend brunch, there’s no better place than Las Brisas, where guests can enjoy cliffside dining that overlooks the natural beauty of Heisler Park, with a fire pit table at the patio’s center. This Cal-Mex cuisine offers classics like huevos rancheros and chilaquiles as well as decadent dishes like the surf-and-turf enchiladas stuffed with steak and lobster.

Sapphire now offers its brunch and lunch menus every day, with a bestseller being the Meyer lemon creme fraiche waffles with fresh berries and bourbon-maple syrup. Bendel’s personal favorite is the crispy beerbattered fish tacos for a midday meal, while the wild-caught Alaskan halibut is a popular dinner entree.

Additionally, any heirloom tomatoes on these plates likely come from the restaurant group’s own garden in San Clemente. “We’ll do tomato salads as well as heirloom tomato soup in addition to using tomatoes in a variety of ways to accompany appetizers and some entrees,” Bendel says.

Angel Velazquez, executive chef at both Skyloft and Mozambique, also partners with local farmers to acquire seasonal produce. He also collaborates with San Pedro fisheries for the freshest catches from Baja California.

“I try to play with my plating,” says Velazquez, who’s inspired by the restaurants’ ocean views. “A lot of the dishes come with a little coastal flair.”

Seasonal specials abound throughout town, including lamb loin with beetroot tarte tatin on the spring menu at Montage Laguna Beach’s on-property restaurant, The Loft, which features two expansive ocean-view

patios. Mosaic Bar & Grille, also at Montage, offers cocktails and dishes like shrimp cocktail, nachos, a lobster roll and more served poolside while the resort refreshes this outdoor eatery’s main patio through late spring.

Tuck into Mediterranean fare at GG’s Bistro, from a hummus trio to kebabs of filet mignon, chicken, shrimp or lamb, pita sandwiches and charbroiled salmon with veggies, feta and balsamic glaze. Dine on the charming patio nestled among art galleries and shops while watching passersby stroll down the sidewalk along South Coast Highway.

With something to delight every palate, this vibrant culinary scene invites locals and visitors alike to savor not just a meal, but immerse themselves in the region’s freshest flavors.

BEYOND THE PLATE

The delectable dishes and scenic settings that make Laguna Beach’s alfresco dining

experience unique are further enriched by sunset views, live music, comfortable amenities and a sense of community.

Panoramic ocean visitas are particularly impressive at The Rooftop Lounge on top of La Casa del Camino hotel. Known for its mojitos, The Rooftop also offers items from ceviche to wings, burgers and salads to nosh on while getting lost in endless views of the Pacific.

Rooftop views can also be found at Skyloft and Mozambique. “[At Skyloft,] you can see the lifeguard tower, which is one of the big landmarks for Laguna Beach, and then at Mozambique, … you get to see a nice view of Catalina,” says Jose Gonzalez, general manager at both of those establishments.

White not quite a rooftop, catch a glimpse of the ocean from the second-level patio at Oak while tucking into a spicy chicken sandwich, pasta, tacos or steak, sipping on a Lagunarita and watching the people pass by below.

Clockwise from above: The patio at Las Brisas; alfresco dining with a fire pit at Sapphire, Cellar-CraftCook; Faroe Island salmon with seasonal accompaniments at Sapphire

TOP PHOTO: COURTESY OF LAS BRISAS LAGUNA BEACH; BOTTOM ROW: CARLA RHEA

Adding to the ambiance, live music sweeps over various eateries, including afternoon and evening performances daily in the Lobby Lounge at Montage Laguna Beach, which wafts out to the patio; a menu of light bites, desserts, wine and cocktails can be enjoyed from 3-10 p.m. every day in the Lobby Lounge and on the patio. Live music is also presented every night at The Cliff through October (up from six nights a week in the colder months) and Wednesday through Sunday nights at Skyloft (rooftop diners can pop indoors to see the bands playing). Over at Mozambique, guests can be serenaded Thursday through Saturay nights in the Durban Room, but the restaurant will also be testing out some live acoustic music on the new garden patio this spring and summer, creating an experience that delights all of the senses. Once updates are completed in Mozambique’s Shebeen lounge—an indoor space with outdoor views—music will return there as well. At The Promenade on Forest downtown features a stage with live music performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from March through December. Laguna Beer often presents live music and other events at its tasting room with a full lineup of brews, pizzas, sandwiches and plenty of outdoor tables in Laguna Canyon.

At the south end of town, Ahba serves up delectable bites with indoor and outdoor seating and a strong sense of community at its cozy cottage cafe—plus its own speakeasy right next door. Enjoy a burger, steak, seafood, roasted cauliflower with tahini, whipped feta with tomato jam, roasted carrots with labneh and more before setting in for some cocktails at Helen’s.

To ensure comfort throughout the day and into the evening, restaurants around

town provide patio umbrellas for shade and heaters for warmth on chilly evenings. Fire pits also add a cozy appeal to patios, enticing guests to linger longer under the starlit sky. Amplify the experience further with indulgences like the s’mores package at Montage Laguna Beach—ideal for romantic date nights or family gatherings—for overnight guests; locals can try the s’mores tableside experience at the resort’s outdoor restaurant, Mosaic Bar & Grille, during lunchtime, which extends until 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

The Ranch at Laguna Beach’s Harvest restaurant features a patio with picturesque scenery of the golf course and surrounding hills—a deer or two may even wander onto the greens at twilight—which can also be viewed from the resort’s outdoor spot, The Porch, complete with fire pits. Share some short rib nachos, duck wings, charcuterie or pizza along with cocktails like The 10th Green with tequila and house-pressed green juice or Campfire Cocoa with houseinfused vanilla vodka. The Porch also features live music daily from acoustic pop to country, folk and rock.

There’s something about being outdoors, especially gathered around a fire pit, whether it’s at The Porch or Sapphire.

“Guests just love the fresh air and the people watching, and the sunsets that you see are magnificent,” Bendel says. “We’ve got teak tables that look nice … and have a warm feeling, especially at night when the fire is flickering.” /

COURTESY OF THE RANCH AT LAGUNA BEACH

Clockwise from left: The Porch with fire pits at The Ranch at Laguna Beach; Mosaic Bar & Grille at Montage Laguna Beach; the Ahba Burger with fries; Ahba’s patio; open-air dining on the roof at Mozambique; peri peri chicken pops at Mozambique

< Outdoor Living >

Local outdoor enthusiasts reveal why pollinators are so important and how you can create your own garden to help them thrive.

By ASHLEY RYAN

It’s hard to think of a place more beautiful than a vibrant garden on a sunny spring day. Brilliant flowers—both native and non—add a pop of color to the space while verdant greenery serves as a playground for tiny creatures that are almost too small to see. You can hear the faint buzz of the bees and the high-pitched whistle calls of the hummingbirds while patterned butterflies float along, riding the breeze. Everything here is brimming with life, which, in turn, makes visitors feel more alive themselves.

It has already been proven that being in nature helps with mental health and overall well-being, with a study by the American Psychological Association linking the great outdoors to healthy cognitive development, increased happiness, fewer chronic health issues and more. But the importance of pollinators goes beyond the beauty of nature, with more than 75% of staple food crops relying on the process of pollination, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“[The bees] are responsible for pollinating not only certain food crops, but also for pollinating all the wildflowers and the wild lands, … keeping all the species that are native to California alive,” says Laura Ford, founder of the local Pollinator Protection Fund nonprofit. “And so, we really need pollinators to essentially keep all of our ecosystems thriving … [with] great biodiversity. … They’re absolutely paramount for the future and for our survival on this planet.”

There are many things you can do to help pollinators thrive, from building small “houses” for native bees to connecting with other like-minded individuals as a member

of the Laguna Beach Garden Club—especially in light of National Pollinator Week from June 17-23. But possibly most important of all is creating a garden of your own, filled with pollen and nectar that encourages butterflies, bees, hummingbirds and other pollinators to stop and stay a while before moving on to spread their wings.

CRUCIAL CREATURES

Many species that often aren’t regarded as pollinators still practice the techniques that keep local plant life blooming. In addition to birds and butterflies, some moths and bats pollinate by moonlight; there are also 1,600 species of native bees in California alone—beyond the frequently recognized, non-native honeybee.

“Honeybees came from Europe in the 1600s and they’re more generalist; they’ll go to anything,” says Jane Leary, president of the Laguna Beach Garden Club. “But the native bees are actually highly specialized, and many of them have evolved to pollinate specific native plants. … They’re important because, without them, there are certain plants—fruits, vegetables, whatever—that would not have a pollinator.”

One such species, Crotch’s bumblebee, is near endemic to California alone and helps pollinate milkweed, which is crucial to the survival of the monarch butterflies that Ford’s group aims to protect. However, these bees, just like the monarchs, are also endangered. “They’re really dwindling, and that’s because of pesticides and not having the habitat that they need,” she explains.

Another interesting thing about milkweed, Ford says, is that its sap is poisonous, which is part of the reason that monarch caterpillars have adapted to use it as a food source. “When the caterpillars eat the milkweed, it’s a deterrent to predators because, if they ingest … [the caterpillars], it will make them sick,” Ford notes.

The plants in your garden may serve as food sources, but that isn’t their only purpose. They are often used as nest-building materials or to find mates; in addition, they provide shelter to the pollinators who frequent their leaves and flowers. “We found, [with milkweed,] it really helps to plant native grasses for caterpillars to hide in and for them to get shelter from the elements and from the sunlight,” Ford adds. “The sun can kill them when they’re tiny. And this helps protect them also, from parasitic flies which predate on them.”

Keeping these creatures safe helps ensure a healthy food chain and better environment all

Opposite page: pollinatorfriendly plants outside of the Laguna Beach Library; this page, clockwise from top: a butterfly chrysalis; the library’s fairy garden; a western honey bee on an Echium candicans, or Pride of Madeira, plant; the library’s butterfly garden; a monarch butterfly

around for humans and wildlife; by protecting local pollinators, we are able to walk a more harmonious path with nature.

GIFTS OF GARDENING

When creating a pollinator garden at home, there are many elements to consider. The most important, of course, is which types of plants to include. You’ll want to think about the different types of pollinators and figure out what their host plants are, so that you can procure vegetation on which they can lay their eggs.

You’ll also want to think about how much light your space has—whether it offers full or partial sun or if it’s shaded—as well as how dry it is, what the irrigation is like and how much wind typically whips through. For larger gardens, Ford also likes to design landscaping that is pleasing to the eye: “different heights and different types of texture and color,” she notes.

Gardeners, whether just starting out or adjusting a previously planted space, should also seek out a variety of plants that flower in different seasons so that your plot has continuity. As spring plants are dying out, those that peak in summer or fall will just be beginning to bloom, ensuring that there are places available for pollination year-round.

And, of course, native plants are key. “The beauty about California natives is that, once they are established, you really don’t have to water them very much,” Leary says. “They’ve kind of adapted to being here in the Mediterranean climate.”

Ford agrees, noting that healthy soil is another crucial component to planting a garden that aids the pollinators’ plight. “Soil is the foundation of everything. … One of the

ways that you can create healthy soil is to plant native plants, because they actually feed the soil and have a symbiotic relationship with it,” she says, “… so everything is working together.”

She adds that you can either design your plot entirely with regionally native species or include a mixture, incorporating things like California buckwheat, seaside daisies or coastal sunflowers as well to appeal to a wider range of generalist pollinators. Ceanothus, or California lilacs, and manzanita are other great options, as they bloom early and can be beneficial to queen bumblebees who are looking for nectar as they emerge after winter. “If they can’t find nectar, they won’t be able to lay eggs and create bumblebee colonies for the future,” Ford notes. “So it all depends on those early queens being successful in finding food.”

Leary shares that some other types of plants that appeal to pollinators include yarrow, California aster, verbena, desert willow, coyote brush, rabbitbrush, lupin, monkey flower, native California sages and additional kinds of buckwheat. Planting in clusters can also provide bees and butterflies with a target of sorts to seek out.

What should you avoid? Pesticides are a big one, as they contain chemicals that can be harmful to wildlife. But native plants do not attract pests the same way that non-native plants do, Ford says. Although common milkweed is not a native plant, it’s important to the survival of monarch butterflies, so she adds that, in cases such as this, you can plant native species around the non-native ones in order to help eliminate pests. If you must use pesticides, consider spraying them at night when fewer creatures are active.

SMALL SPACES

Laguna Beach backyards don’t always provide the kind of space you’d want for a large garden, but think small: Pollinator gardens can be set up on patios or in small spaces as well.

Ford started a small garden on the patio of her Dana Point home consisting entirely of potted plants. “It’s worked in its own way,” she says. “We have monarchs making chrysalises on our front porch. We’ve even had a little bird nesting above our front door.”

These quaint spaces can include the same kind of planning as larger gardens, with homeowners checking their light and irrigation before deciding on which pollinatorfriendly plants to incorporate. While it may seem like these porch gardens wouldn’t offer enough for bees and butterflies to explore, Ford notes that sometimes the quality of what you plant is more important than the quantity. Find plant species that appeal to them and they will come.

“You don’t have to have a ton of space to make it functional,” she explains. “One pot, in fact, will even work to bring in butterflies.” She will also be giving out roughly 10 butterfly

FROM LEFT: PERRY STAMPFEL;

boxes—portable wooden crates with handles that feature lilac verbena and narrow leaf milkweed in organic, chemical-free soil—to local groups at community centers, churches or schools to encourage groups to play a part in rebuilding the region’s butterfly population.

HIVE MIND

This isn’t the only way that Ford has worked her love of butterflies and bees into the local fabric of the community. Since her Pollinator Protection Fund launched in 2021, she has designed and installed public pollinator gardens in both Heisler and Bluebird parks in Laguna as well as in Newport Beach and Laguna Hills. Additional spaces in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and at the Sawdust Art Festival grounds have also been turned into bee and butterfly gardens in recent years, while another can be found outside the Laguna Beach Library.

During the pandemic, local residents Simone Adams and Kim Shields, who serve on the Friends of the Laguna Beach Library board, offered to help creator Jessica DeStefano keep up the whimsical fairy

From left: a rufous hummingbird enjoying nectar; Matt Willey’s mural, made in collaboration with the Laguna Beach Garden Club; a pollinator garden in Heisler Park, planted by Laura Ford of the Pollinator Protection Fund nonprofit

garden. Now in charge of the whole operation—including rebuilding the miniature sets and planning activities like scavenger hunts for children to enjoy in the outdoor space—they recently orchestrated the creation of a pollinator garden off to the side of the front entrance. Formerly a succulent patch that was in dire need of attention, it has been transformed with butterflies in mind and features a barrier to keep the pollinators protected. However, you’ll find that chrysalises pop up all over both of these spaces, near salvia and milkweed plants, and provide inspiration for visitors looking to plant their own plot at home.

“Fairy gardens have taken off—not just because of us, but [people who visit the garden] do get inspired,” Shields says. “… This needs to take off, too.”

Adams and Shields also organize a number of events throughout the year, including the kick-off to the summer pollinator series, a bird-themed monthly service project in May. Throughout June, the fairy garden will highlight the importance of bees while July is reserved for education on the life cycle of

a butterfly, which families can witness firsthand in the garden; the Butterfly and Fairy Festival will also be held July 27.

Elsewhere, after hosting artist Matt Willey as part of its speaker series in 2022, the Laguna Beach Garden Club commissioned him to paint a mural in town as part of his global art project, The Good of the Hive. Completed earlier this year on the side of the Laguna Beach County Water District building downtown, and decorated with real plants and paver stones, the piece features various species, including Crotch’s bumblebee and the Palos Verdes blue butterfly, as part of Willey’s mission to paint 50,000 pollinators— the number of bees in a thriving hive.

“The mission is to get people curious and excited about the planet we live on through the lens of bees and storytelling,” Willey explains. “… The vision is really what a hive represents to me, which is seeing and experiencing the connectedness of everything. Bees in a hive—they are both an individual and the cell of a bigger organism. So are we, and we do not act like it.”

Leary is proud that the club was able to bring Willey’s message to Laguna, especially with extinction on the periphery for many of the region’s pollinators. “The mural is really our love letter to Laguna to express … how important it is that we all work together,” she reveals. “… Whatever we do affects the whole community. If we’re nice and friendly to each other when we walk by, if you say hello to a stranger, if you see someone struggling or there’s a tourist here who’s not quite sure where to go, offer that up. It just changes how people feel in their day-to-day life.” g

CAMPING IN COMFORT

RELAX, RECONNECT AND FOLLOW YOUR SENSE OF ADVENTURE WHILE GLAMPING IN MONTANA.

By SHARON STELLO

FAR FROM THE CITY LIGHTS, thousands of stars glimmer in the night sky. As you gaze upward, glass of wine or hot chocolate in hand, try to pick out the constellations while sitting around a crackling campfire. No doubt, it’s been a while since you connected like this, with nature or with friends and family. And, when it’s time to retire for the night, luxury tents are already set up only steps away. Fall asleep to the sound of the wind in the pines and the rushing river nearby.

The Resort at Paws Up in Montana, which offers glamping from mid-May through midOctober on its 37,000-acre working cattle and bison ranch, makes it easy to have a wilderness experience with all the comforts of home—not to mention a butler to bring anything you might need. Six campgrounds with safari-style tents are available for couples, families and groups. The resort also boasts 28 luxury homes for those opting not to camp. And shuttles are ready to whisk you to the adventure center for over 70 activities, like horseback or ATV riding, mountain biking, rafting, fly-fishing along the Blackfoot River and more, the spa for soothing treatments or to restaurants serving gourmet cuisine; the resort now has three James Beard-nominated chefs on-site.

Here, it’s possible to have the best of both worlds: refined living and rugged outdoor experiences.

AWE-INSPIRING AMENITIES

With 36 tents ranging from 500 to more than 1,000 square feet, complete with heating and air-conditioning, Wi-Fi access, private decks and attached bathrooms with a shower and heated granite tile floors—not to mention daily full-service housekeeping—these glamping accommodations are far from roughing it. Some include two or even three rooms for families or groups staying together. And the main room features what the resort dubs The Last Best Bed, an extremely comfortable kingsize setup with down duvet comforters and pillows. Western-chic decor includes furniture and artwork hand-selected by the owners and exuding a sense of rustic elegance. Think chandeliers made of glass bottles, timber and wrought-iron headboards, distressed wooden cupboards and Southwest-style rugs. Some tents also include a copper tub to soak your cares away.

Campgrounds are situated along the banks of the Blackfoot River or Elk Creek, while others are on the clifftop above these scenic waterways. A Dining Pavilion at each campground offers made-to-order breakfast and dinner, or you can request a shuttle ride to visit one of the resort’s restaurants. Depending on the camp, games like cornhole, horseshoes, pingpong and foosball are available along with an assortment of board games to play by the pavilion’s fireplace. Take a stroll or borrow mountain bikes to explore local trails, keeping an eye out for deer that may be spotted along the river or amidst the trees. Then, gather around the fire pit at night to roast marshmallows for s’mores, tell ghost stories or just get lost in the flickering flames as they dance in the darkness.

ELEVATED EATS

When it comes to dining at Paws Up, this is no ordinary camping fare. At the campgrounds,

Glamping at The Resort at Paws Up features scenic views, all the creature comforts of home, a butler, gourmet food and access to a spa.

choose from morning meals like chopped steak hash, avocado toast, buttermilk biscuits and country gravy or an egg scramble with bison sausage, plus an array of fresh fruit, yogurt and cereal. Camp dinners feature items like chiledusted black Angus steak, grilled bison filet with black garlic jus and broccolini, roasted rainbow trout or king salmon with mashed potatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, bok choy and sherry vinaigrette. And make sure to save room for desserts like baked cobbler. Each dining pavilion is also stocked with snacks and beverages for late-night munching; the camp host can even whip up a cocktail or pour guests a glass of wine or a local microbrew.

For a meal away from camp, take a shuttle to the resort’s central area for casual fine dining with Western flair at Trough for breakfast—the huckleberry pancakes are a must try—or lunch,

which ranges from hand-cut meats and locally sourced vegetables to salads, burgers and sandwiches plus dishes like chili made with wagyu beef, local grain risotto with English peas and a roasted half chicken with huckleberry jus. An espresso and smoothie bar is also offered, or head next door to Tank, a full-service cocktail bar that also provides an abbreviated food menu in a casual environment with a fireplace and TVs—although your attention will be drawn instead to the stunning views outside.

Over near the Wilderness Outpost, the resort’s activities center, Shed beckons with smoked and flame-grilled food options like burgers, pulled pork, wings and sausage as well as grilled corn and other seasonal veggies such as “cauliflower burnt ends.” What started as a food truck near the forest’s edge became so popular that it was turned into a permanent

fixture. Enjoy Shed’s wood-fired fare for lunch and dinner, with live music on Monday and Friday evenings. The building is also a sight to behold: Like a house frame without walls, the rustic architecture allows for open-air dining. While at Paws Up, make sure to experience the traditional chuck wagon at least once. Guests are whisked to a scenic site on the ranch for a barbecue dinner with live music and activities like a horse-drawn wagon ride plus the opportunity to practice ax throwing and roping skills. Then, pile your plate with pork ribs, flame-roasted chicken, prime rib, corn, baked potatoes and baked beans. For dessert, choose from fruit cobbler made in a Dutch oven, s’mores or both.

For fine dining, make a reservation at the resort’s signature restaurant, Pomp, whose moniker is a nod to the son of Native American

Activities at the ranch abound, from rafting and fly-fishing to cattle drives, roping, chuck wagon dinners and campsite dining with river views.

woman Sacagawea, who aided the Lewis and Clark expedition; William Clark gave the boy the nickname Pomp, short for Pompey. The restaurant offers “refined rustic ranch” dishes, which change with the seasons and feature local ingredients. Consider potato and wild onion soup with Oregon black truffle, spot prawn ceviche, filet mignon or dry-aged bison rib-eye with roasted red potatoes, grilled asparagus and smoked herb butter, or cedar plank salmon with morel mushrooms, fiddleheads and peas.

BIG SKY ADVENTURES

In between eating and relaxing, the resort offers a plethora of guided activities. From archery to trap shooting, equestrian outings and canoeing, it’s like summer camp on steroids.

For experienced horsemen and women, as well as those who have never stepped foot in a stirrup, there are seemingly endless opportunities to hop in the saddle and explore the surrounding Rocky Mountain wilderness. Sign up for a trail ride through conifer forests and past ponds and wide open meadows, or take part in an authentic cattle drive over the area’s rugged landscape, wrangling and moving herds of 800pound Corriente cows into pastures.

There are also arena lessons for kids and adults, pony rides, team penning and a Junior Wrangler Program. Or take a horse whispering workshop aimed at building mutual trust and respect between the human and animal: Tailored to each individual, participants work with a ranch horse, an adopted mustang or even an entire herd of horses, learning to adjust body language to get the desired response.

For a different kind of riding, climb into an ATV for a guided drive across the ranch. Kick up the dust while powering over hills and steering past fields and trees. There are also places along the path to park and scramble up the rocks to a lookout with views of the river.

For those who want to be out on the water, try your hand at fly-fishing for western trout on the legendary Blackfoot, Clearwater or Missouri rivers in this “golden triangle.” Step into a raft with elevated seats for a better vantage point and let one of the resort’s patient guides take you through the basics of casting and reeling in a fish—or help take your skills to the next level. Relax as you float down the river, then experience the rush of adrenaline when you feel a tug on the line.

With these kinds of Montana adventures, you’ll have memories that last a lifetime and stories to share for years to come—including hooking that fish, which likely gets bigger every time you tell the tale. /

WHILE YOU’RE HERE

After flying into Missoula, Montana, or while waiting for your flight home, make sure to take a tour of the Smokejumper Visitor Center, which is located right at the airport. Missoula is home to the country’s largest base for smokejumpers, specially trained firefighters who jump from planes to make an initial attack on remote wildland blazes.

The free tour includes a visit to the ready room, smokejumper loft and the National Smokejumper Memorial. The museum also includes a fire lookout tower built in 1930 and, during summer months, smokejumper aircraft are also on-site. Visitors might even see smokejumpers being

dispatched to a fire. (406329-4934; visitmt.com)

On your drive up to the resort, consider stopping at Wild Skies Raptor Center, which is open only by appointment with at least 24 hours’ notice, so call ahead and schedule a visit to learn about the nonprofit’s raptor conservation and rehabilitation efforts. From hawks to owls, the center treats injured birds and releases them back into the wild once they’re ready. The center also has 14 “ambassador” raptors, which live there as part of an education and outreach program. (406-210-3468; wildskies.org)

To hear some tunes, head to Top Hat Lounge, a historic music venue that features local performers and national touring artists. Free concerts can be found here nearly every week and it’s also a modern gastropub where you can enjoy a cocktail and dishes like the carne asada burger, lemon coconut curry mussels or spicy

jerk chicken wrap while soaking in the music. (Top Hat Lounge: 406-728-9865; logjampresents.com)

Or check out the Union Club Bar and Grill, with local bands, a dance floor, food and drinks in Union Hall, a downtown landmark that has been around for more than a century. (Union Club Bar and Grill: 406-728-7980; union clubbarandgrill.com)

If country music is more your speed, make your way to the Sunrise Saloon and Casino on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. (Sunrise Saloon and Casino: 406-728-1559; sunrisesaloonandcasino.com)

Beer lovers will want to stop at Big Sky Brewing Co. to try a glass beer like Moose Drool, an American brown ale, or a pale ale called Space Goat. Tours are also available by calling ahead and the brewery sponsors a summer concert series on select dates, with artists like Nickel Creek and Dwight Yoakam, at an amphitheater right outside the brewery. (Big Sky Brewing Co.: 406-549-2777; bigskybrew.com)

Another option for drinks and entertainment is Draught Works Brewery, with a wrap-around patio to relax on while sipping one of 19 handcrafted brews on draft—plus wine, cider, seltzer, kombucha, root beer and nonalcoholic beer. Live music is presented three times a week and there’s a dedicated kids space, making it a family-friendly environment. (Draught Works Brewery: 406-541-1592; draughtworksbrewery.com)

From left: Enjoy music, food and drinks at Top Hat Lounge; check out Wild Skies Raptor Center’s hawks and owls.

Joan Zen performs at Union Club Bar and Grill.

Dine / Nick’s Laguna Beach

Top left: Nick’s Laguna Beach, opened in 2008, is a fixture along South Coast Highway in the downtown area. Above: the blackened fish sandwich and fries; left: appetizers including (clockwise from back) the bacon deviled eggs; asparagus fries and tuna tartare, shown with the Nick’s Mai Tai (bottom left) and jalapeno watermelon margarita (center)

Classic and Contemporary

SINCE OPENING MORE THAN 15 YEARS AGO, NICK’S LAGUNA BEACH HAS REMAINED A FAVORITE IN THE LOCAL DINING SCENE.

By SHARON STELLO

Other restaurants have come and gone, but Nick’s Laguna Beach— the first location for this small, regional chain—has been a staple in our coastal town since opening in 2008.

Situated in the downtown area on South Coast Highway, this cozy spot features a central bar, booths and tables along the dining room’s edge and a front patio to eat your meal while watching passersby. The display kitchen, which was renovated in the fall, is surrounded by windows in the back of the

room. Even with a small kitchen, the quality and variety of dishes is impressive.

Settle in with a glass of wine, beer or a cocktail: Consider the jalapeno watermelon margarita or Nick’s Mai Tai, which is made with spiced rum and topped with lilikoi (passion fruit) foam.

For appetizers to share with the table, consider the bacon deviled eggs, which are a lightly fried version of this classic— complete with a Parmesan-and-panko crust—and come topped with crumbles of

applewood-smoked bacon. These delicious bites have been on the menu since Nick’s opened and it’s easy to see why. The asparagus fries are another popular item, with a crunchy Parmesan crust and a buttermilk ranch dipping sauce; the center is a vegetable so you can pretend you’re being healthy. The tuna tartare is also a tempting option, with chunks of sashimi-grade tuna marinated in a spicy soy sauce, served with a spicy aioli, sliced avocado and crispy wontons.

Those seeking a salad will find plenty of creative varieties, from a Spicy Thai rendition that incorporates udon noodles and peanut dressing to the Grilled Steakhouse selection with sliced rib-eye, mixed greens, warm potato salad, a blue cheese wedge and tomatoes. When it comes to entrees, diners would be remiss not to try the buttermilk fried chicken. The crisp breading gives way to succulent chicken, served boneless with whipped mashed potatoes and a flavorful sausage country gravy, buttermilk biscuit and sweet roasted corn on the cob. For a handheld option, the prime rib dip and original rib-eye melt are both popular. The former, which uses thinsliced meat that’s slow-roasted daily and served on a brioche bun with red wine au jus, is only offered until the eatery runs out. However, the blackened fish sandwich is an excellent choice, too. Well seasoned, the flaky fish—which changes based on seasonal availability—comes on a brioche bun piled high with house-made tartar sauce, crunchy cabbage, wild baby arugula, tomato and fried “firestick” onions.

And there are plenty of other dishes on the menu, from baby back pork ribs to chicken piccata, pan-seared Chilean sea bass, Scottish salmon, San Francisco cioppino, center-cut filet and a crispy chicken sandwich.

Nick’s is also open for breakfast with favorites like avocado toast, fried chicken and waffles, chilaquiles or a croque madame. Wash it down with a mimosa, a bloody mary garnished with fried, blue cheese-stuffed olives or an espresso martini. We can’t think of a better way to get the morning started. g

NICK’S LAGUNA BEACH

440 S. Coast Highway; 949-376-8595; nicksrestaurants.com

HOURS: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday; and 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday

Taste of the Town / Dining News

TEA TIME

Spring has sprung, and it’s in full bloom at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, which is hosting a special tea-focused experience at signature restaurant RAYA. Deemed the Spring ParTea, guests can reserve afternoon seatings from Monday through Thursday to enjoy a specially curated collection of loose-leaf teas from Palais des Thés. Two tea-infused cocktails are also being served: Tropical Garden, made with a tropical herbal tea, vodka and Grand Marnier as well as the Andalusian Garden,

which blends a pink grapefruit and lemon herbal tea with vodka and a peach cream liquor. Food ranges from English cucumber or open-faced rib-eye steak sandwiches and curried chicken salad tartlets to strawberry pound cake, chocolate tulips and guava cookies. Additional children’s offerings are available as well, including a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on brioche bread, a double chocolate brownie or a Spring Krispies Treat. The Spring ParTea will continue through May 16. (949-489-5833; ritzcarlton.com) —Ashley Ryan

WINE, DINE AND CREATE

Local creative space WINE CRAFT, which allows locals and visitors alike to sample various vinos from around the world while choosing from an array of cute crafts to complete, added new food items to its menu lineup in March. In addition to Laguna-themed flights like The Greeter, The Plein Air and The Pageant, visitors can enjoy gourmet pizzas, a cheese plate and canned fish boards. Try the Go Fish board, served with salt and vinegar chips, brie cheese, green olives and a tin of smoked trout in oil, or the Eight is Enough, which contains a tin of octopus with lemon and dill alongside Kalamata olives, goat cheese and crackers. The latest gourmet pizza offering features salami and sweety drop peppers—or you can opt for the goat cheese and Kalamata olive variety. A fan favorite, Le Grand Fromage board, rounds out the menu, offering a selection of cheeses, olives, dried fruits and nuts; prosciutto or salami may be added upon request. Wine Craft’s food items are also now on GrubHub for home delivery. (949376-0007; winecraftoc.com) —A.R.

SCINTILLATING SIPS

Vino lovers will rejoice over the special wine dinners taking place

The Spring ParTea at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel’s Raya restaurant

Bourbon Steak will be hosting two wine dinners this spring with Napa wineries.

A charcuterie board at Wine Craft

in a private dining room at Michael Mina’s BOURBON STEAK ORANGE COUNTY this spring. Located at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, the series continues May 9 with a meal celebrating the wines of Joseph Phelps Vineyards in Napa Valley. An artfully crafted, four-course dinner by Executive Chef Peter Lai will showcase scallop crudo, paired with Sonoma Coast chardonnay; seared duck breast with pinot noir; wagyu steak accompanied by two different cabernet sauvignons; and, for dessert, an artisanal cheese duo served with mixed berry preserves and two of Joseph Phelps’ Insignia red wine blends. The series continues the following month with a June 13 dinner featuring vino made by Opus One Winery, another Napaarea favorite. (949-234-3900; waldorf astoriamonarchbeach.com) —A.R.

NEW BISTRO BITES

Mediterranean restaurant GG’s BISTRO has rolled out several new dishes in recent months, which will be available through summer. Among the recent additions is a baked hummus, which is served hot and topped with pastrami, garbanzo beans, sun-dried tomatoes and

pita bread with spicy butter. Also on the new lineup is a blackened salmon sandwich, which comes with onions, arugula, tomatoes and a homemade garlic aioli spread. For an even heartier option, try the crushed pepper steak, served on a bed of mashed potatoes with sauteed carrots and a crushed peppermushroom cream sauce. The menu’s drink section has also seen some changes, as several mocktails were added. These libations are crafted with zero-proof spirits and have the same tempting flavors as liquorbased cocktails. (949-494-9306; ggscafebistro.com) — Sharon Stello

A QUEST FOR QUALITY

A new coffee shop has carved out a spot to serve its specialty, small-batch roasts at Boat Canyon Shopping Center in north Laguna. ENDLESS QUEST ROASTERS opened in early March with a focus on pure ingredients and ethical sourcing of its coffee. At the cafe, choose from a latte, mocha, espresso, cortado, macchiato, cold brew and more, including tea options like chai and matcha. Or pick up a bag of coffee beans to brew a cup at home. Co-founder Ryan Okko, who also serves as roaster and barista,

visits farms to participate in harvests and collaborates with coffee producers. Top sellers include decaf coffee from Veracruz, Mexico, with notes of dark cacao, orange, plum and honey; a variety from Costa Rica’s Tarrazú hot springs that uses natural thermal mineral water to ferment pulped coffee, leading to a more complex flavor; and another from Yirgacheffe, Ethiopia, known for its shade-grown coffee. As Okko explains, the journey is endless due to the changing climate and varied geography, not to mention the seasonal nature of coffee cherries. (949-281-6406; endlessquestroasters.com) —S.S. /

RESTAURANT LISTINGS

Scan the QR code below to visit our dining resource online.

From left: GG’s Bistro’s new zero-proof mocktails; baked hummus, a new appetizer at GG’s Bistro; a flat white from Endless Quest Roasters

Last Impressions / Ivan Spiers

Ivan Spiers 10

MINUTES WITH

THE LOCAL RESTAURANT OWNER TALKS ABOUT THE PATH THAT BROUGHT HIM TO LAGUNA AND HIS PASSION FOR GOOD FOOD, MUSIC AND TRAVEL.

By SHARON STELLO

Restaurateur Ivan Spiers, who grew up in South Africa, brought some of that country’s flavors to Laguna Beach by opening Mozambique nearly two decades ago and has established several new dining concepts in recent years.

In 2015, he launched barbecue eatery Skyloft and, in 2023, he took over Rumari, reopening with a menu of both Italian cuisine and Greek dishes. Also last year, he introduced Laguna Fish Co., which then transitioned to Bodega Laguna Cocina & Cantina. In December, a vintage hangout called Herb’s Place was added inside Skyloft with boozy shakes, barbecue and retro tunes. He also owns Daryl’s House, a restaurant and live music club in New York.

But it all started at Mozambique with woodfired meats, seafood, peri peri sauce, samosas and curry, flavors from Spiers’ childhood that he wanted to introduce to Orange County.

Spiers says his dad was born at a gold mine in South Africa and his mother came from England right before World War II. “I was born up in Zululand, close to the Mozambique border,” he says. “Grew up there till I was 13, then my dad sold everything. … We had a trading store and a paint factory. Then we moved to … Durban, where I grew up the last five or six years before I left South Africa.”

Spiers moved to England to work for record label EMI, then traveled to the U.S., Hong Kong and Australia before settling in Laguna Beach about 35 years ago. “There’s very few countries I haven’t been to,” he says. He has also previously worked in the restaurant industry.

At his current restaurants, Spiers says it’s all about the people—many have worked for him for a long time. “We bring them up through the ranks,” he says. “It’s all about empowering them.” His restaurants also have loyal customers. “We want to make sure they have a fantastic experience,” he says, “from the ambiance and the decor to the food and the service.”

LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE: What brought you to the U.S.?

IVAN SPIERS: I met some guys in the Canary Islands while surfing and they were from Monterey, California. So I got to know them. … I decided to leave England with the weather and the strikes [going on]. This was back in the late ’60s,

early ’70s. The guys were like, “Why don’t you come to the States?” So I bought a ticket and came to the United States— traveled by Greyhound bus … from New York and finally ended up in Monterey, California, … working on all the farms.

LBM: What drew you to Laguna?

IS: I … moved down here because I was doing a lot of business with … all the action sports companies. I was in the apparel business. I had 29 stores [called Clothes Out] in Northern California and those were sold in ’90 [or] ’91, if I remember correctly. … This was preRoss, pre-T.J. Maxx, pre-Marshalls.

LBM: Why did you open Mozambique?

IS: I bought … [the building] one day at auction. … I decided to call it Mozambique. I know the flavors of Mozambique and Southern Africa. With the Indian, the Malay people, the Afrikaans, the Dutch people, the Portuguese—so many cultures, … but it’s all blended in South Africa. … It took a lot of [time] getting the spices and everything [for the restaurant]. … And now it’s been open close to 20 years.

LBM: Do you have any hobbies?

IS: Listening to music … and helping other musicians. We employ a lot of musicians between Skyloft and Mozambique. … I played guitar and some keyboards. I was in bands in South Africa from 14. … [I like] older rock ’n’ roll—it’s my era that I was born in. Southern rock, Lynyrd Skynyrd … and The [Rolling] Stones.

LBM: Any Laguna restaurants you like?

IS: I love The Drake, the Montage, [Splashes at] Surf & Sand. … There’s other places, … but I don’t really go out that much. [With The Drake,] it’s just the food and the atmosphere. The way it’s decorated, it’s unique. They have jazz. It’s great. I also love The Ranch [at Laguna Beach] for its peaceful setting and the surrounding hills, … which remind … me of an escarpment in Southern Africa. g

Ivan Spiers, owner of Mozambique, Skyloft, Rumari and Bodega Laguna Cocina & Cantina in town, pictured with his dog, Max